Archaeologists have been left mystified after a 3,000-year-old "extraterrestrial" axe was discovered by a farmer in the Indonesian rainforest.
The ancient axe, discovered in the Kalimantan area of Borneo, is believed to have been forged from a meteorite and is thought to have been used as a status symbol.
Researchers previously believed that ancient Bronze Age societies in Indonesia only utilised metals found locally, including stone and copper.
And the conical axe find has left researchers questioning whether the country's ancient inhabitants had progressed past the Stone Age earlier than initially thought - and could have been capable of sophisticated metalworking.
The ancient axe, dated back to the Bronze Age, is believed to have been forged from a meteorite
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The incredible find was not made by archaeologists carrying out an excavation - but a local farmer who was panning for gold.
The intriguing artefact is just one of many ancient objects uncovered by the Indonesian farmer, who has built up a collection of stone axes and beads which were made by the Dayak tribe, the indigenous people of the island of Borneo.
According to local folklore, objects such as the axe only appeared after lightning strikes.
However, researchers have suggested it could have made from melted meteorite material using advanced metalworking techniques.
The incredible find was not made by archaeologists carrying out an excavation, but a local farmer who was panning for gold (file photo)
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Scientists were particularly drawn to the artefact's conical shape as they say it demonstrates an expert level of craftsmanship.
Dr Hartatik from the Banjar Regency Cultural Heritage Expert Team, said: "This artefact represents not only technical mastery, but also the social and cultural values of Bronze Age life in Borneo."
The indigenous name for the object is "Gigi Petir" or "Untu Gledek".
One of the first archaeologists to analyse the object, Ida Yogi, said: "In all my years studying Kalimantan's archaeology, I have never seen a conical axe like this."
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If the axe is deemed as genuine, it would be give scientists convincing evidence that prehistoric Bornean societies were practising complex metalworking
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However, researchers warned that it is crucial to verify the authenticity of the axe.
For the ancient object to be deemed authentic, a number of factors will need to be considered, including the context of its discovery, when and how it was found, and if it was inherited or directly uncovered.
If the axe is deemed genuine, it would be give scientists convincing evidence that prehistoric Bornean societies were practising complex metallurgy and symbolism far earlier than previously understood.
Detailed testing is set to be carried out by the country's National Research and Innovation Agency.
Many ancient cultures across the globe have been documented to have utilised meteorite metal.
It has been proven through other archaeological finds that the rare material has been used to make jewellery, tools and ceremonial objects.
In Ancient Egypt, meteoric iron was used to make high-status objects and ritual items, such as a dagger found in Tutankhamun's tomb.
Scientists have previously claimed that some civilisations considered meteorite metal as a gift from the gods due to its celestial origins.