Digital Documentation and Stylistic Analysis of Rock Art at Batti Cave, Bone, South Sulawesi

Adhi Agus Oktaviana1*, Akhmad Zona2,3, Erlangga Esa Laksmana3, Hamrullah4, Candra5, Hermansyah5, Dewangga Eka Mahardian1, Andi Jusdi6, Darfin6, Maxime Aubert7, and Adam Brumm8

This paper presents the results of recent systematic rock art documentation at Batti Cave, located in the Bone Regency of South Sulawesi. As a significant site within the regional archaeological landscape, Batti Cave contains a diverse assemblage of rock art, including animal motifs (anoa and suids), anthropomorphic figures, and hand stencils distributed across both cave walls and ceilings. To ensure high-fidelity recording, a multi-modal digital approach was employed, utilizing the Leica BLK360 for wide-area terrestrial laser scanning, complemented by iPad Pro LiDAR scanning for rapid 3D modelling and high-resolution SfM (Structure from Motion) photogrammetry. This integrated workflow allowed for the creation of precise 3D digital twins, enabling to mapping and detail analysis of motifs. Preliminary comparative analysis suggests that the faunal depictions at Batti Cave share strong morphological similarities with the rock art of Uhallie Cave, as well as the established Maros-Pangkep stylistic tradition. These findings contribute to our understanding of the distribution of rock art styles across the Karst of South Sulawesi and highlight the importance of advanced digital tools in preserving and analysing Indonesia's subterranean cultural heritage.