Hashtag-like drawing dated 73 000 years old

SCIENTISTS working in a South African cave have discovered the world’s oldest known drawing, a sketch that resembles a hashtag.

It is not the earliest deliberate design, however; some abstract engravings are far older.

But researchers say it shows how early humans in southern Africa could produce designs on various surfaces with various techniques.

The collection of criss-crossed lines was found east of Cape Town.

It is thought to be around 73 000 years old.

Researchers said it is at least 30 000 years older than any other known drawing.