Prehistoric Art and ‘Jewellery’ Discovered at Sulawesi Island

A unique collection of prehistoric art and jewellery was excavated at Sulawesi Island, Indonesia. It dated back to 30,000 years ago by a joint Indonesian – Australian team. A new reflection was made on ‘Ice Age’ human culture and symbolism by the Australian Research Centre for Human Evolution team. They worked with Indonesian colleagues at Griffith’s Environmental Futures Research Institute.

This new study was published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The discovered artifacts include beads having disc –shape and a pendant. The beads were made from a babirusa known as pig – deer. The pendant was carved out of the bone of a bear cuscus. Cuscus is a marsupial found only at Sulawesi. ‘Portable’ art objects incised with some geometric patterns were also found. Deep analysis by scientists also disclosed proofs for rock art production at excavation site. It included discarded ochre pieces, ochre stains on tools and a tube made up of bone.

Content: sciencedaily.com