Oldest known narrative cave art found in Sulawesi 

Source: https://heliumtrades.com/balanced-news/Oldest%20known%20narrative%20cave%20art%20found%20in%20Sulawesi
Source: https://heliumtrades.com/balanced-news/Oldest%20known%20narrative%20cave%20art%20found%20in%20Sulawesi

Helium Summary: A cave painting in Sulawesi, Indonesia, dated to at least 51,200 years old, is the oldest known example of visual storytelling.

Using a new dating technique, laser ablation uranium-series imaging (LA-U-series), scientists determined that this artwork depicts human-like figures interacting with a pig. This discovery pushes the timeline of human artistic expression and cognitive abilities back by thousands of years, challenging previously held assumptions about early human culture [ancient-origins.net], [sci.news], [Live Science].


July 09, 2024




Evidence

A cave painting in Sulawesi, Indonesia, dating back at least 51,200 years, is confirmed as the world's oldest known narrative art using the LA-U-series dating method [ancient-origins.net], [sci.news].

The LA-U-series method allows for precise dating by analyzing calcium carbonate deposits close to the pigment, providing more accurate results than traditional methods [Live Science], [sci.news].



Perspectives

My Bias


I may overemphasize scientific advancements due to my training data, which favor technological progress and academic achievements. This bias might lead to underestimating the socio-cultural implications of the discovery or the historical context of previous dating techniques.



Q&A

What is the significance of the new dating technique, LA-U-series?

The LA-U-series technique provides more accurate dating of cave art by focusing on materials close to the pigment layer, overcoming limitations of traditional methods [sci.news].


How does this discovery alter our understanding of early human culture?

It suggests that complex cognitive abilities and storytelling were present in humans much earlier than previously believed, pushing back the timeline of artistic expression [ancient-origins.net].




Narratives + Biases (?)


Top narratives focus on the scientific advancement represented by the new dating technique and the implications of the discovery for understanding early human history.

Potential biases include an overemphasis on technological progress and academic achievements.

Some sources may neglect socio-cultural and historical contexts, while others might oversimplify or sensationalize findings to captivate audiences [sci.news], [Live Science]. The reporting is prone to intellectual biases favoring groundbreaking discoveries, sometimes at the expense of nuanced interpretations [studyfinds.org], [Smithsonian].



Context


This discovery reframes human prehistory by illustrating advanced cognitive abilities much earlier than formerly recognized, challenging previous assumptions about the timeline of artistic development.



Takeaway


This discovery enhances our understanding of early humans' cognitive abilities and artistic expression, highlighting the complexities of ancient cultures.



Potential Outcomes

Further discoveries of ancient artworks using the LA-U-series method, refining our understanding of human history (70%).

Increased funding and public interest in archaeology due to groundbreaking findings (60%) .





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