Rock Art on Lambatorang Hill in 360°
How ᨒᨙᨕ ᨒᨅᨈᨚᨑ (Lambatorang Cave) was found
In 2017, the entrance to the cave collapsed after marble mining activity in the area. During inspection a number of findings such as sea shells, stone axes and rock art painting was made notice. The mining has since stopped and today it is listed as a heritage site and overseen by Balai Pelestarian Cagar Budaya Sulawesi Selatan.
Floor Plan Lambatorang Cave (2023-02) by Dewangga Eka Mahardian and Adhi Agus Oktaviana Archaeological, Language and Literature Research Organization
Lambatorang Cave floor map and rock art panel locations
Children's hand stencil
What you see here are children's hand stencils. The finding is an evidence that rock art making was not dominated by adults. Maros-Pangkep karst rock art painting was made by young-adult and adult male-female participation of hand stencil making.
A panel of hand stencils, head of pig and fish at Lambatorang 2 Cave, Maros (2021) by Dominic and Adhi Agus Oktaviana Archaeological, Language and Literature Research Organization
Rock art painting on the walls of Lambatorang 2 Cave are layered images of hand stencils, pigs' heads, and fish. The fish likely a masapi (eel).
The hand stencils were painted with red and black pigments
This practice of combining hand stencils in red and black pigment are rare in the rock art world.
The hand stencils are likely painted on the cave wall from bottom towards the ceiling.
While sitting on the rock in front of the small chamber, you will be able to see the combination of hand stencils colored with red and black pigments.
If you look on the ceiling, you find hand stencils with black and red pigments.
Cross mark on the cave wall
The red cross mark was painted on the left side of the cave walls by the hallway.
Do you see it?
The red hand stencils on the ceiling
Some of the red hand stencils can be found on the ceiling.
Continue your adventure to find rock art painting on a cliff
Explore Tebing Ambe
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.
