A challenging journey led to the discovery of a stunning prehistoric masterpiece

Renowned content creator and painter Erika Richardo embarked on a challenging journey to one of Indonesia’s most significant historical sites. With 15.9 million followers on TikTok, Erika traveled to Leang Tedongnge Cave in South Sulawesi, home to the world’s second oldest known cave painting. Estimated to be around 45,500 years old, the prehistoric artwork features two hand stencils and three intricately detailed wild boars. Her visit, alongside her team, sparked widespread interest and appreciation.

A Journey Through Tough Terrain

Reaching this ancient site was no easy feat. Erika and her team had to trek for four hours through dense jungle, navigating slippery trails made treacherous by heavy rain. Upon arrival, they faced another challenge—scaling a 10-meter-high cave wall to access the location, all while managing limited supplies.

Despite the hardships, the breathtaking sight of the ancient painting made it all worthwhile. Believed to be created using natural earth pigments or ochre, the artwork showcases the early human understanding of local wildlife and stands as a crucial piece of evidence in the evolution of prehistoric art.

Preserving Cultural Heritage

The painting was first discovered by archaeologist Basran Burhan from Griffith University in 2017 and was confirmed as the oldest known cave painting in 2021—until an even older one was found in 2024. This groundbreaking discovery was made possible through the collaboration of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Griffith University, the Ministry of Culture, the Cultural Heritage Preservation Center 19, and Hasanuddin University (UNHAS).

In an Instagram post, Erika expressed her gratitude to the researchers and archaeologists who played a vital role in uncovering this historical treasure. Her visit aims to raise awareness about the importance of preserving cultural and historical heritage. She also hopes to inspire younger generations to study and appreciate ancient civilizations. With increasing attention to this remarkable discovery, Indonesia's archaeological and anthropological research is expected to continue flourishing, further cementing the nation’s reputation as a global hub for prehistoric art.

photo souce : instagram.com/erikarichardo

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