This rare discovery has astonished Indonesian and historians alike. The unusual artifact sheds new light on the advanced metalworking technologies and social practices of ancient Borneo communities. After examining the tool, researchers proposed a plausible theory regarding the cosmic origins of the material from which the axe was crafted 3,000 years ago.
It had been kept in the collection of a local resident alongside other he discovered while panning for . Among these were ancient beads from the Dayak tribe and traditional stone axes. However, the conical axe immediately caught the attention of experts due to its unique shape, exquisite craftsmanship, and potential meteorite origins.
Young archaeologist Ida Bagus Putu Prajna Yoga was one of the first to study the find. “In all my years of studying the archaeology of Kalimantan (the Indonesian name for Borneo), I have never seen an axe of this shape,” she remarked.
What Did Scientists Discover?
Indigenous residents of Kalimantan shared with researchers that, according to local legends, the appearance of such objects is somehow linked to lightning. Meanwhile, experts believe that the axe was made using ancient advanced metalworking techniques, likely from melted meteorite material, as reported by Arkeonews.
Unlike typical stone axes, this conical axe, according to researchers, was not intended for chopping. Its small size and artistic design suggest that this item may have served ritual functions or been a symbol of social status. Scientists emphasized that further verification of the axe’s material origins will be crucial.
However, even at the initial stages of research, it is clear that ancient communities in Borneo had moved beyond the Stone Age, employing sophisticated metalworking skills for symbolic, social, and ceremonial purposes.
The study also highlighted the importance of preserving local heritage, as still-isolated areas hold valuable information about Indonesia’s distant past. The example of this conical axe from the Bronze Age attests to the ingenuity, craftsmanship, and social complexity of ancient Borneo communities.
