Scientists have discovered a faded handprint in Metanduno cave on Muna Island, Indonesia, dating back at least 67,800 years. The ancient stencil was hidden beneath a newer chicken sketch. Dr Adhi Agus Oktaviana, who spotted the handprint in 2015, said, "Why a handprint? It was easier to make, and it signifies ‘I was here’." The handprint appears to have been shaped with claw-like fingers, possibly linking humans to animals. Professor Maxime Aubert of Griffith University stated, "It is now evident from our new phase of research that Sulawesi was home to one of the world’s richest and most long-standing artistic cultures, one with origins in the earliest history of human occupation of the island at least 67,800 years ago." This discovery adds to known prehistoric art in the area, including a 51,200-year-old mural depicting humanlike figures and a wild pig. Research shows these artworks prove early humans in Southeast Asia were capable of symbolic thinking. Archaeologist Basran Burhan said, "Humans were already capable of creating handprints 68,000 years ago. It is a clear symbol of the level of human creativity at that time." He also shared that ancient humans made jewellery from animal parts, showing they valued beauty, not just survival. However, Sulawesi’s rock art faces threats from climate change and nearby industrial activity. Some sites suffer damage from peeling and vibrations. To protect these treasures, researchers use 3D laser scanning to digitally preserve the art. Indonesia has over 700 rock-art sites but only a few enjoy national protection. Culture Minister Fadli Zon has announced plans to upgrade protection for the Metanduno site. Dr Adhi also hinted that older, undiscovered rock art might still exist in Sulawesi. This find rewrites the story of human creativity and marks Indonesia as a key place in the history of human art.