Legend may be the rare Bronze Age funnel-shaped axe made of meteorite iron, found in Pa Village, Borneo Island. It has been around 3000 years and was the first Bronze Age axe head discovered in Kalimantan (Indonesian part of Borneo).

Located in the middle of the Riam Kanan Reservoir, Paau Village is very far away and can only be accessed on a two-hour boat trip. The axe is one of many ancient artifacts found in Rahmadi, the village’s 600 residents while panning for gold. This is the most impressive object when archaeologists see archaeologists in Rahmadi’s usually impressive collection, as funnel axes are very rare, the only thing Kalimantan knows about. There is evidence that the region has developed metalworking techniques simultaneously with other populations in the rest of the archipelago and used them for artistic and symbolic purposes.

The discovery also attracted the attention of Hartatik, a member of the Banjar Regency Cultural Heritage Expert Team (TACB). He explained that the Javanese funnel axe, also known as “Gigi Petir” or Untu Gledek, had its own source of mythology. The object is said to appear after lightning and is embedded in the ground or on a tree. But, scientifically, researchers suspect it was made using melted meteorite rock technology.

These types of axes are not practical tools like the Stone Predecessor. They are small and lightweight and are designed for their functional form. Archaeologists believe that they are symbols of social status or may be used as valuable trade goods.

Cultural heritage authorities and archaeologists plan to collaborate in further research on cultural relics. It is first necessary to authenticate it (there is a thriving market for fake antiquities in Indonesia) and explore its original environment. If it is confirmed, the axe will provide new insights into Borneo’s early metalworking capabilities.