A Window into the Prehistoric World at Liang Pominsa
The rock paintings at Liang Pominsa
The cave houses multiple lively scenes such as humans hunting, seafaring and fighting. The paintings were mostly done in brown shade and less in red and black colors.
The human figure from Pominsa Cave (2019) by Adhi Agus Oktaviana and Maxime Aubert Research Organization for Archaeology, Language and Literature, National Research and Innovation Agency
Pominsa Cave: 3,900 Years of Art
The earliest paintings of humans at Pominsa Cave are at least 3,900 years old. This dating was obtained using the LA-U-Series dating technique, offering a glimpse into the ancient artists who created these images.
Ancient human battles
Human figures in fighting scenes and seafaring on boats covers this panel. There are also human figures with armor, and others riding horses.
The human figures at Liang Pominsa show a number of different characters. Image on the upper left side, shows a warrior-like figure with what looks like weapon on its body. Image on the upper right side and lower left side shows human figure with wide open hands and enlarged fingers. The human figure on the lower right side has a similar posture to the human figure found on Sumpang Bita Cave .
Rowing a boat scene (2015) by Adhi Agus Oktaviana Research Organization for Archaeology, Language and Literature, National Research and Innovation Agency
Early marine transportation
This painting shows early marine transportation. A human figure in a sitting position paddles the boat or possibly a dugout canoe.
Two hand stencils from Pominsa cave, Muna (2021) by Adhi Agus Oktaviana Research Organization for Archaeology, Language and Literature, National Research and Innovation Agency
The traces of red hand stencils
The hand stencils can be traced and prove that modern human came to Muna Islands as they journey from Sunda to Sahul via Wallacea.
Paintings also covers outside the cave
Some rock art paintings on the outer side of the cave wall are hand stencils and human figures. However, the images are suffering from exfoliation and degradation by weathering.
The karst landscape around Liang Pominsa
The karst area in Lohia District is dominated by hills or towers of karst, combined with farming areas and forest vegetation.
Liang Pominsa is located in Liang Kabori village and was reported in 2005. The visitors to the cave need to walk for about an hour from Metanduno Cave.
Research team at Pominsa Cave, Muna (2019) by Adhi Agus Oktaviana Research Organization for Archaeology, Language and Literature, National Research and Innovation Agency
Protecting the Past
Dedicated researchers and local experts collaborate to study and protect the rock art. Their work helps unlock the secrets of this ancient site and share its story with the world.
A group of warrior riding a horse at Metanduno Cave (2015) by Adhi Agus Oktaviana Research Organization for Archaeology, Language and Literature, National Research and Innovation Agency
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