Farmers find ancient grave

MEDAN, North Sumatra: Farmers in Sorkam, Central Tapanuli regency, stumbled upon ancient graves and antique items that experts believe date back to as early as 1160.

The farmers told Antara that the antiques, found in two graves they discovered when tilling their land, were a lamp, a sword, plates and coins with Malay-Arabic characters.

Experts hope that more archaic items would be found in the area.

They said they were hopeful that the findings would provide more clues to the history of Islam propagation in North Sumatra. (pan)