A 3,000-year-old Bronze Age axe, possibly forged from a meteorite, has been uncovered in Indonesia, offering new clues into the region’s ancient craftsmanship and cultural identity. Experts believe the conical-shaped artifact, found in South Kalimantan, could mark the earliest discovery of its kind in Borneo.
The axe surfaced from the private collection of a local villager who had kept it alongside other relics found while panning for gold. Among the items were traditional stone tools and ancient beads, but the bronze object stood out for its unusual shape, detailed design, and potential cosmic origin.
Archaeologist Ida Bagus Putu Prajna Yogi, who first studied the piece, said the find was unlike anything recorded in Kalimantan’s archaeological history. Its unique structure and suspected material suggest it was crafted using advanced metalworking techniques, possibly involving melted meteorite fragments.
Artifact’s symbolic role and cultural context
Locally known as “Gigi Petir” or “Untu Gledek,” the axe has long been linked to legends of lightning strikes. However, researchers believe its design points to ceremonial or symbolic use rather than utility. Measuring small in size with fine craftsmanship, it was likely used as a status symbol or exchanged as a valuable item within ancient trade networks.
Hartatik, a member of the Banjar Regency Cultural Heritage Expert Team, explained that the axe reflects the social complexity of Bronze Age communities in Kalimantan. She said such artifacts offer a glimpse into how early societies expressed identity and hierarchy through artistic objects, rather than functional tools.
Experts from the Cultural Heritage Expert Team (TACB) and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) are working to verify the artifact’s origin and authenticity. Understanding when and how it was discovered is a key part of confirming its historical value and ruling out modern tampering or misplacement.
Historical impact and ongoing research
If proven authentic, the find could reshape current views on early metalwork in Indonesia. It also strengthens the case that ancient communities in the region had already moved well beyond stone technology, developing refined methods for working with rare and possibly celestial materials like meteorite.
The discovery underlines the cultural richness hidden in Indonesia’s more remote areas and supports ongoing efforts to protect and study local heritage. Researchers believe further analysis may reveal more about the role such objects played in ancient life, from ritual use to trade and social expression.
