Archaeologists in Indonesia have discovered a unique artefact – a conical Bronze Age axe that is over 3,000 years old. According to researchers, it may have been made from meteorite iron and probably had symbolic or ritual significance.
The unusual find was made on the island of Kalimantan: the axe was first discovered by a local farmer who was panning for gold. Among his finds were also stone axes and beads belonging to the indigenous Dayak tribe.
Archaeologists note that the ancient inhabitants of the region usually used copper, bronze and stone, so the artefact made of ‘extraterrestrial metal’ caused a sensation.
This rare axe shows that the ancient communities of Kalimantan had complex metalworking skills and used them for social and ritual purposes,’ the scientists say.
Similar finds have been recorded in other countries: in Poland, bracelets and pins made of meteorite metal, and in Spain in 2024, archaeologists found artefacts made of ‘extraterrestrial iron’ more than 3,000 years old.
Experts emphasise the importance of confirming the authenticity of the find and the circumstances of its discovery. If the data is confirmed, the discovery could significantly change our understanding of the development of metallurgy and the culture of ancient civilisations in the region.
