Neolithic axe found in Arunachal Pradesh

The tool, made of diorite black stone, is rectangular in shape with both surfaces fully grounded and finely polished, with a few scars seen in the lateral margin, Dr Tage Tada, Research Director of the Itafort Archaeological Museum here, said today.

The cutting edge of the tool which was the first finding from the remote Indo-China (Tibet) border, is very sharp, convex and bifacially bevelled of the tool, he said.

The shape, size and workmanship of the tool indicated that it was used as an axe by the people in the Neolithic age, most probably for agriculture and farming, Tada said.

The tool was found by two residents of the area, Tade Ebo and Talin Rigia, who handed it over to Dr Taga on September 12. It is now on display at the Museum here.

"The possession of the tool will provide an opportunity to students of archaeology of the state to add definite information about the prehistoric period of the area," he said.

The Director also said that in Arunachal Pradesh, local people believed that such prehistoric tools possessed spirits and some believed that such objects came from the sky while others believed that it was used by malevolent spirits.

"In Taksing, the local Nah and Tagin people believe that this has fallen from sky and is used by malevolent spirits and they are very scared of touching it," Tada added.