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Art is nearly as old as humanity itself, and our highest calling is to preserve and protect it wherever it exists. The older a piece becomes, the more invaluable it is, as it offers insight into long-lost civilizations and their cultures.
10. The Oldest Known Prehistoric Rock Art, dating from 290,000–700,000 B.C.
The earliest known examples of prehistoric rock art are a type of pictograph referred to as “cupules” (cup-marks), often accompanied by linear grooves carved into the rock. Cupules are indentations made into both horizontal and vertical rock surfaces, usually arranged in systematic rows or columns. These carvings have been discovered across all continents and span multiple historical periods. In fact, some indigenous cultures, such as those in Central Australia, continue to create and use them to this day.
The oldest known example of these cupules can be found in the Bhimbetka Caves in central India. Due to the specific conditions inside the cave, at least two of the cupules are almost certainly from the Lower Paleolithic era. The remaining nine examples are believed to come from a similar time period. While the site has not yet been radiocarbon-dated, artifacts from the Acheulian period in India are thought to be as ancient as similar finds discovered in Africa and Europe, dating back around 290,000 years.
A second group of approximately 500 cupules, dating to a similar period, was discovered in the Daraki-Chattan cave. This site also contains a significant collection of early stone tools. Daraki-Chattan is considered one of the richest and most notable sites for cupules globally.
Some archaeologists argue that cupules should not be classified as art, suggesting they might have had a practical function. They may have served as grinding basins or been used in ceremonial contexts, similar to how some cultures continue to use them today. Nevertheless, considering they are one of the most abundant forms of prehistoric carvings and served various purposes, it’s reasonable to assume that at least some were created for artistic or aesthetic reasons. Additionally, the numerous cupules carved into vertical surfaces make it unlikely they were purely utilitarian.
9. Oldest Sculpture 230,000–800,000 B.C.
The earliest well-accepted representation of the human form is the Venus of Hohle Fels, which dates back 40,000 years.
A much older figurine, though still debated, has earned a strong case for authenticity. Found in the Golan Heights of Israel, it is known as the Venus of Berekhat Ram. If genuine, it predates the Neanderthals and was likely crafted by Homo erectus.
The figurine was discovered between two volcanic stone and soil layers, with dates ranging from 233,000 to an astounding 800,000 years old. Initially thought to be a mere stone resembling a human form, microscopic analysis by Alexander Marshack revealed that it was intentionally shaped by humans. The Venus was probably initially slightly anthropomorphic, then refined using hominid tools. The base exhibits signs of having been carved flat to allow it to stand upright.
The validity of this figure has been reinforced by similar findings in nearby areas, such as the Tan Tan figurine of Morocco (dating back 300,000–500,000 years). Both figures likely served ceremonial or religious purposes. The Tan Tan figure was adorned with ochre, a pigment commonly used in rituals.
8. Earliest Eggshell Carvings: 60,000 B.C.
Ostrich eggshells played a significant role as tools for many ancient cultures, and decorating them became a key form of early human self-expression.
In 2010, a team of researchers at the Diepkloof Rock Shelter in South Africa unearthed a significant collection of 270 ostrich egg fragments, each marked with decorative and symbolic patterns created by the Howiesons Poort hunter-gatherer culture. The fragments were painted with multiple pigments and etched with hatching designs. Two main patterns were identified: a hatched band and another featuring sub-parallel or converging lines. Due to the variation in patterns over time and the sizable sample, archaeologists were able to confirm the existence of design traditions among Stone Age cultures, specifically in engraving.
There is proof of enlarged holes in the eggshells, indicating that the ostrich shells were likely used as the prehistoric equivalent of water canteens.
7. The Oldest Cave Paintings in Europe: 42,300–43,500 B.C.
Not long ago, it was believed that Neanderthals were incapable of producing art (a misconception overturned by the discovery of decorated stones and shells), and it was assumed they never made stone art. However, in 2012, researchers in the Nerja caves of Malaga, Spain, uncovered drawings that predate the famous Chauvet cave paintings of southeastern France by over 10,000 years. Charcoal remnants found near six of the drawings were radiocarbon-dated to be between 42,300 and 43,500 years old.
The images depict seals, a vital food source for the Neanderthals who inhabited the area at the time. Jose Luis Sanchidrian, the project leader from the University of Cordoba, noted that the drawings do not resemble other known Paleolithic human art, and no human remains have been found in the part of the Peninsula where the Nerja caves are located.
6. The Oldest Handprint Paintings: 37,900 B.C.
The paintings at the Sulawesi Caves in Indonesia showcase one of the oldest known representative artworks. At 35,400 years old, these paintings are almost as ancient as other early examples of non-representative art, such as the El Castillo Cave Paintings (40,800 years old) and the Chauvet cave paintings (37,000 years old).
The real standout in the Sulawesi Caves, however, is a handprint painting, now recognized as the oldest ever discovered, at least 39,900 years old. This stencil is part of a group of 12 painted on the rock. The dating was done using uranium-series dating of the mineral coatings above the sediment layer holding the paintings (the artwork itself could be older). If radiocarbon tests show the paintings are older than the sediments, it may be the oldest known painting of any kind ever found.
Prehistoric humans used a technique of blowing ochre paint through a tube around their hands to create handprints—a method still used by children today. All prehistoric art carries an eerie quality, but there’s something particularly haunting about these handprints. Perhaps it's the profound realization that each one represents a real person, lost to the distant reaches of time.
5. The First Ivory Carvings: 30,000 B.C.
In 2007, archaeologists from the University of Tubingen were excavating the Swabian Jura, a plateau located in the Baden-Wurttemberg region of Germany. They uncovered a collection of small animal carvings, estimated to be around 35,000 years old. These carvings are considered to be the earliest known ivory carvings.
A total of five pieces, meticulously carved from mammoth ivory, were found in the Vogelherd Caves in southwestern Germany, a site rich with archaeological treasures. This location is also home to the famous Lion Man of Hohlenstein Stadel and the Venus of Hohle Fels. Among the findings were a lion figurine, two mammoth fragments, and two unidentified figures.
Radiocarbon dating and the geological context of the discoveries suggest that these carvings were crafted by the Aurignacian culture, a group linked to the first appearance of modern humans in Europe. The dating results indicate an age of 30,000–36,000 years, with some tests yielding even older estimates.
Four years prior, discoverer Nicholas J. Conard reported finding three additional figurines in the same region, dating to a similar time period. These included the oldest known representation of a bird, a therianthropic (half-human, half-animal) sculpture, and a horse-like figure, all over 30,000 years old.
4. The Oldest Ceramic Art: 24,000–27,000 B.C.
The Venus of Dolni Vestonice resembles other Venus figurines found across the globe. It is an 11.3-centimeter (4.4 in) nude, voluptuous female figure, characterized by large breasts, a pronounced bottom, and a head with two carved slits for eyes. This figure is the earliest known ceramic sculpture, made from a clay body and fired at low temperatures, and it predates the use of fire-baked clay for pottery by 14,000 years. It was excavated on July 13, 1925, in Dolni Vestonice, South Moravia, Czechoslovakia.
The figure, along with several others and thousands of small fragments, seems to represent a new technology. Evidence suggests that these objects were fired at a relatively low temperature of 700 degrees Celsius (1,300 °F), and most pieces, including the Venus, showed signs of thermal cracking—such as the Venus, which was found in two pieces.
The Venus dates back to the Gravettian period, around 22,000–28,000 years ago. Ceramics from this time didn’t last long, as no superior ceramics were discovered afterward. The pieces appear to belong to a period of artistic experimentation. The figure has four holes in its head, possibly intended to hold flowers, herbs, or for a ceremonial purpose.
In 2002, a fingerprint found on the left side of the statue was analyzed and determined to be that of a child, aged between 7 and 15 years. Although the researchers did not claim that the child created the figure, this discovery suggests a social aspect to ceramic production during the Gravettian period.
3. The Oldest Oil Paintings: Seventh Century
In 2008, a new Buddhist mural, along with several other works discovered in Afghanistan’s Bamiyan caves, showed traces of an oil-based binder, making them the oldest known oil paintings. These predate the Mediterranean and European use of the medium by at least a century. The binder was believed to help the paint dry on the rock surface of the caves.
Since 2003, a team of scientists from Japan, Europe, and the US has been working to preserve as much of the artwork in the Bamiyan Valley as possible, as part of a UNESCO-funded project. They made the breakthrough discovery while conducting chemical tests on the paintings. By using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, they found that samples from 12 caves and two giant ruined Buddhas contained oil and resin-based paints.
Dating back to the seventh century, the murals are part of a cave network decorated with paintings of Buddhas and mythological figures, along with intricate patterns and swirling ornate designs. Researchers believe that examining these images can offer valuable insights into cultural exchanges along the famous Silk Road, connecting the people of East and West Asia.
2. The Earliest Christian Illuminated Manuscript: A.D. 330–650
In the medieval period and earlier, books were incredibly rare and considered valuable treasures by the fortunate few who could acquire them. Recognizing their importance, Christian scribes embellished book covers with precious stones and decorated the pages with vibrant colors and detailed calligraphy, resulting in the creation of stunning illuminated manuscripts.
In 2010, researchers discovered the Garima Gospels in a secluded monastery in Ethiopia's Tigray region. Originally believed to have been created around 1100, radiocarbon dating showed that this early Christian illuminated manuscript is actually much older, dating back to A.D. 330–650. This makes it the oldest illuminated manuscript ever found, predating other known manuscripts in the region by over 500 years.
The extraordinary manuscript may be tied to Abba Garima, the founder of the monastery where it was found. According to legend, Abba Garima wrote the gospels in a single day, with divine intervention—God is said to have halted the Sun’s movement until the task was completed.
Another possible contender for the title is the Rossano Gospels, housed in the Cathedral of Rossano in southern Italy. This manuscript, which dates back to the sixth century, is available for online viewing.
1. The First Known Landscape Painting6000–8000 B.C.
The Catalhoyuk mural, if the controversial claim is accurate, holds the distinction of being the world’s oldest known landscape painting. Alternatively, it could be a series of abstract patterns accompanied by an image of a leopard skin. It’s possible that it serves as both.
In 1963, archaeologist James Mellaart was conducting excavations at Catalhoyuk, one of the largest Stone Age settlements found in modern-day Turkey. Among his discoveries was a mural that decorated the dwellings within the box-shaped homes. Mellaart proposed that the mural depicted a view of the town with the nearby Hasan Dag volcano erupting in the background. However, others suggest that the shapes in the mural are abstract, and the volcano is actually a representation of a leopard skin, as the people frequently depicted wildlife in various forms. A 2013 study supported the landscape theory, confirming that the volcano had erupted during the same time period.
There are two additional candidates for the title of the oldest landscape representation. Both are maps: one from Western Europe, which we’ve reported on previously, and another known as the Pavlov map (24,000–25,000 B.C.). However, the Catalhoyuk mural appears to have no practical purpose, marking it as the first purely artistic landscape depiction.
+Oldest Wooden Statuec.7,500 B.C.
The Slavic idols of ancient Russia, rare and precious artifacts carved from stone and wood, represented the gods of the Slavic people. Their rarity can be attributed to the fragile nature of wooden artifacts and the early Christian persecution of pagan traditions and their sacred objects. Many of these idols were crafted from perishable wood, as it was believed that trees themselves held mystical powers. These idols merged the divine power of the gods with the inherent magic of trees. They were often placed on mountaintops with barren peaks, and one such idol, depicting a god, existed during the time when Stonehenge and the pyramids were being built.
If the accounts are accurate, the Shigir Idol is the oldest known example, carved from larch wood. It dates back to the Mesolithic period, approximately 9,500 years ago. The idol has survived all these centuries due to being buried 4 meters (13 feet) deep in a peat bog, which preserved the wood by preventing bacterial decay.
The idol was first discovered in January 1890 in the Middle Urals, to the northwest of Yekaterinburg. It was found among a collection of ancient artifacts made from horn, bone, wood, and clay, including daggers, harpoons, and paddles. Standing at 280 centimeters (9 feet 2 inches) tall, this monumental figure features seven faces along its length, numerous carvings, and religious symbols, with a head at the top. However, nearly 2 meters (6.6 feet) of the idol were lost during Russian political turmoil. If archaeologist VJ Tolmachev's 1914 interpretation of the idol's structure is correct, it might have originally stood at 5.3 meters (17 feet) in height.
Radiocarbon dating of the idol was conducted at the Institute of History of Material Culture in St. Petersburg, led by Galina Zaitseva, and confirmed by the Institute of Geology of the Russian Academy of Sciences in Moscow, under the direction of Leopold Dmitrievich Sulerzhitsky. The dating results were consistent within a few centuries. If accurate, the Shigir Idol would be the oldest known wooden sculpture in the world, and the oldest sculpture of any kind in Europe.
Although the idol was largely forgotten during the political upheavals, German researchers from the Lower Saxony State Office for Cultural Heritage have been working since 2014 to decipher the meaning behind the carvings and engravings. They plan to conduct a new series of tests using accelerated mass spectrometry (AMS) to obtain a more precise date. The findings are expected to be released in early 2015.
