Archaeologists in Central Java have unearthed a cache of ceremonial spears tipped with imported obsidian and adorned with etched copper bands. The spears were found arranged in a star pattern around a central ritual hearth, dating to the late 5th century CE, during the transition into the early Hindu-Buddhist period of the archipelago.
The find is linked to ancient warrior initiation festivals that preceded the more familiar courtly rituals of the Majapahit era. The use of volcanic glass, which was highly prized for its sharpness and reflective qualities, suggests that these festivals were not only military displays but also spiritual events intended to harness the power of Java's volcanoes. This discovery provides a missing link in the evolution of Indonesian martial traditions and ceremonial performance.