Leang-leang Prehistoric Park

A.Brief Information

Leang-leang is a site where numerous prehistoric remnants can be found. In local language, “leang” means cave since many caves are available there with hundreds of witnesses of prehistoric civilization.

Two of archaeologists who found the site are Van Heekeren and Miss Heeren. They discover the red rock-paintings in Pettae and Petta Kere caves in 1950. One of the paintings portrays a jumping pig that is stuck a spear on its breast. Another painting discovered by Miss Heeren is a rock-painting portraying a woman`s hand.

Many archaeologists assume the rock-paintings have been available since 5000 years ago. They, therefore, conclude the site was occupied by the prehistoric people during 8000 to 3000 B.C.

For that reasons, the provincial government of South Sulawesi initiated to preserve the site since the 1980s. Now the site, located nearby Bantimurung Waterfall, is fixed as a worth visiting tourism destination for the public or those undertaking archaeological research in Indonesia. Supporting facilities such as cottages, baruga (halls), and water reservations have been provided for comfortable visit.

B. Distinctive Features

Leang-leang Prehistoric Park plays two functions. Formerly it was known as an archaeological site but, remembering its wonderful scenery of surrounding areas, the location is pointed as a worth visiting tourism destination in South Sulawesi Province.

Just take a look at the rock-paintings found on caves` wall. Many researchers and archaeologists have come to the location to study them. However, the number of mysteries around those prehistoric remnants is still abundant. Therefore, we recommend the location as an object of research or studies on Indonesia`s prehistoric age.

From many researches, archaeologists conclude that the rock-paintings on caves` wall in Leang-leang are the evidences of cutting-finger tradition amongst the ancient people at the time. Cutting-finger tradition was an old tradition that was intended to show one`s sorrow over the death of his family members. The red colour on the paintings is resulted from inerasable ink, thus they is still clear.

Another finding is the scattered animal bones that are presumed as the ancient people`s foods. Some of them glue firmly on stones around the location. Hence some archaeologists argue that the location, in the past, was a sea, or part of Java Sea.

In the location, you can find many caves with various characters and uniqueness. At least there are three famous caves there. Molluscs, porcelains, and earthenware from the prehistoric age can be found in Leang Bulu Ballang Cave. Another cave namely Leang Cabu is the right place for those who love climbing. In front of Leang Cabu Cave, you will see green areas of the local inhabitants` farming lands. And in Leang Sampeang Cave, there is a portrayal of black people that is assumed as the ancestor of the Bugis people in the prehistoric age.

C. Location

Leang-leang Prehistoric Park lies in Leang-leang Village, Bantimurung Sub-district, Maros District, South Sulawesi Province.

D. Access

Leang-leang Prehistoric Park is 11 km away from Maros City, or approximately an hour trip. You can reach the location from Daya Makassar bus station by taking any public transport leading to Maros traditional market. Just continue your trip to Bantimurung Sub-district by taking pete-pete (typical transportation vehicle from South Sulawesi), and go on to the location for about 10 minutes.

E. Accommodation and other Facilities

You can spend more days around the location, for long term research purposes, because you can easily find lodgements or inns around the location, nearby the heart of Bantimurung City.

Syamsuni (wm/15/02-08)

Source:www.wisatamelayu.com