Ethnography
Vol 5, No 1 (2026): Etnography Editon January - June 2026

Materiality of Prehistoric Visual Practices: The Relevance of Maros–Pangkep Cave Paintings and Pasemah Megalithic Sculptures to Craft Traditions

Salma Rahmadani (Institut Seni Indonesia Padangpanjang)



Article Info

Publish Date
23 Jul 2026

Abstract

This study analyzes the materiality of the Maros–Pangkep cave paintings and Pasemah megalithic statues and explains their conceptual relevance to craft traditions. It employed a qualitative approach using a literature review method. Secondary data, consisting of journal articles and scholarly books on the two forms of prehistoric heritage and theories of materiality, were analyzed descriptively and interpretively through data reduction, coding, thematic categorization, and interpretation. The results demonstrate that the use of rock surfaces, mineral pigments, and stone as sculptural material reflects empirical knowledge of material properties and mastery of painting and carving techniques. Materials did not merely serve as passive media but also influenced the techniques, visual forms, and creative processes. The artifacts also embody symbolic functions associated with group identity, beliefs, social activities, and human relationships with the environment, although their meanings must be interpreted according to the context of each site. The relevance of these visual practices to craft traditions lies in their use of natural materials, manual skills, and direct engagement between makers and materials. This relevance is conceptual and does not constitute evidence of direct genealogical continuity between prehistoric visual practices and craft traditions.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

Ethno

Publisher

Subject

Arts Humanities Education Environmental Science Social Sciences Other

Description

FOCUS Ethnography : Journal of Cultural Anthropology fokus menerbitkan artikel terkait isu-isu antropologi budaya dari hasil kajian riset/penelitian para akademisi, peneliti. SCOPE 1. Kajian Tradisi dan Ritual 2. Kajian Multikulturalisme 3. Kajian Gender dalam kebudayaan 4. Kajian Lingkungan dan ...