A remarkable Bronze Age artifact has surfaced in Indonesia—a 3,000-year-old conical axe that may have been fashioned from meteorite iron. The find has astonished archaeologists and historians, opening new windows into the ingenuity and cultural depth of ancient Borneo societies.
The stunning axe was found by a local famer while panning for gold and recently caught the attention of archeologists who suspected the artifact was made from meteorite metal
The axe was uncovered in Paau Village, Aranio District, Banjar Regency, by a local resident who had preserved it among other artifacts collected while panning for gold. Alongside traditional Dayak beads and stone tools, the conical axe immediately stood out for its rare design, refined craftsmanship, and possible celestial origins.
Young archaeologist Ida Bagus Putu Prajna Yogi was among the first experts to study the piece. “In all my years researching Kalimantan’s archaeology, I have never encountered a conical axe like this,” she remarked, underscoring the uniqueness of the discovery.
Locally referred to as Gigi Petir or Untu Gledek—“Lightning Tooth”—the axe carries both cultural and historical resonance. According to folklore, such objects fall to earth where lightning strikes. Yet scholars suggest a more sophisticated origin: advanced Bronze Age metallurgy, possibly involving the use of meteorite metal.
Unlike standard stone axes meant for cutting, the conical axe’s small size and artistic form point to a symbolic role. Experts believe it may have functioned as a status marker, ceremonial object, or trade item, embodying both artistry and social hierarchy within ancient Kalimantan communities.
Dr. Hartatik, of the Banjar Regency Cultural Heritage Expert Team (TACB), emphasized its importance: “This artifact represents not only technical mastery, but also the social and cultural values of Bronze Age life in Borneo.”
To safeguard its historical authenticity, specialists stress the need to investigate the axe’s full provenance—how it was found, preserved, and transmitted. Authentic verification is vital to prevent misinterpretation and to ensure it reflects genuine Bronze Age heritage.
If confirmed, the find will stand as a landmark in Indonesian archaeology, proving that early Bornean societies had moved decisively beyond the Stone Age into an era of complex metallurgy, symbolism, and ceremonial practice.
Currently, TACB and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) are collaborating to conduct detailed testing. Their analysis could reshape our understanding of prehistoric Kalimantan, placing it firmly within the broader story of Bronze Age innovation across Southeast Asia.
This extraordinary discovery not only excites the scholarly community but also underscores the cultural richness still hidden across Indonesia’s landscapes. As research continues, the conical axe may yet reveal deeper truths about the creativity, craftsmanship, and spiritual world of Borneo’s ancient peoples.
