On August 31, 2021, construction workers in Bantul, Indonesia, made an unexpected discovery during routine roadwork—a mᴀssive, circular artifact resembling a gigantic frying pan. The strange object, measuring several meters in diameter, sparked curiosity and debate among archaeologists and locals alike. Its unusual shape and size led to speculation about its purpose and origin. Was it a ceremonial object, a cooking vessel for large-scale feasts, or something else entirely?

Interestingly, about 50 kilometers away from the discovery site lies the ancient Borobudur Temple in Central Java, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its intricate bas-reliefs depicting Buddhist teachings and Javanese life. Among these carvings is a panel from the Karma-Vibhanga series, which portrays scenes of karmic retribution. One section of this panel (shown in the lower pH๏τo) features a striking image: several figures preparing what appears to be a large, flaming cauldron, with towering giants standing beside them.

The similarities between the newly unearthed artifact and the depicted cauldron in the Borobudur relief are intriguing. Could the “frying pan” found in Bantul be a real-life counterpart to the mythological or ceremonial vessel shown in the temple’s carvings? The proximity of the two locations adds weight to this possibility, suggesting a cultural or religious link between the artifact and the temple’s iconography.

Further research is needed to determine the exact age, function, and significance of the Bantul artifact. If proven to be contemporaneous with Borobudur (built in the 9th century), it could provide valuable insights into ancient Javanese rituals, culinary practices, or even mythological narratives involving giants and large-scale cooking vessels. Until then, the giant “frying pan” remains an enigmatic piece of Indonesia’s rich archaeological heritage.