Measuring the damage rate of prehistoric cave images: a case study in the Maros-Pangkep karst area South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia

Abstract

Abstract Damage to prehistoric cave drawings, like other cultural objects, is inevitable. This claim was widely accepted among researchers and observers of prehistoric culture in Indonesia. Even more so for images in karst caves with a medium for painting in the form of limestone surfaces that have dynamic properties. The life cycle of this rock type is influenced by natural processes, mainly by water factors such as dissolution and sedimentation. In addition, the sun, temperature fluctuations, and wind also accelerate the weathering rate, which causes many changes in the structure of the rock both thoroughly and massively, and partially. The belief in damage to prehistoric cave drawings in the Maros-Pangkep Karst Area has long been echoed by researchers and conservationists, but very few of these circles can prove how the damage process occurred, even to prove how fast the damage is. However, the development of image conditions can be measured by a simpler method to determine the speed of damage. This article offers a method that can be applied to cases of prehistoric cave image damage so that changes can be identified, in particular the volume of damage.