diff --git a/src/dig.c b/src/dig.c
index 152071fd6..bb42b9a9b 100644
--- a/src/dig.c
+++ b/src/dig.c
@@ -908,6 +908,16 @@ struct obj *obj;
 			    You("need an axe to cut down a tree.");
 			else if (IS_ROCK(lev->typ))
 			    You("need a pick to dig rock.");
+			else if (!ispick && (sobj_at(STATUE, rx, ry) ||
+					     sobj_at(BOULDER, rx, ry))) {
+			    struct obj *otmp;
+			    boolean vibrate = !rn2(3);
+			    pline("Sparks fly as you whack the %s%s!",
+				sobj_at(STATUE, rx, ry) ? "statue" : "boulder",
+				vibrate ? " and the handle vibrates violently" : "");
+			    if (vibrate) losehp(2, "axing a hard object", KILLED_BY);
+			    if ((otmp = carrying(POT_OIL))) catch_lit(otmp);
+			}
 			else
 			    You("swing your %s through thin air.",
 				aobjnam(obj, (char *)0));