In this May 2012 photo provided by Bryce Barker, University of Southern Queensland archaeologist Bryce Barker investigates Aboriginal rock art in a cave in the Australian Outback. Prof. Barker said Monday, June 18, 2012 that tests show the Aboriginal rock art in the cave was made 28,000 years ago, making it the oldest in Australia and among the oldest in the world. (AP Photo/Bryce Barker) EDITORIAL USE ONLY
June 18, 2012 - 5:02 AM
CANBERRA, Australia - An archeologist says tests show Aboriginal rock art in an Outback cave was made 28,000 years ago, making it the oldest in Australia and among the oldest in the world.
The dating of one of the thousands of images in the rock shelter known as Nawarla Gabarnmang will be published in the next edition of the Journal of Archaeological Science.
University of Southern Queensland archeologist Bryce Barker said Monday that the rock art was made with charcoal, so radiocarbon dating could be used to determine its age.
Most rock art is made with mineral paint, so its age cannot be accurately measured.
Australian National University archeologist Sally May, who is not involved with Barker's research, described his find as "incredibly significant."
News from © The Associated Press, 2012