[Tim Simmons]

In earlier times the trade routes went from coast to coast through the highlands. Mr Hampton has concentrated his study to one area where stone still plays a the major role in the cultural and economic lives of the people in the late 20th century to today . In the study there is no mention of Nephrite. Just the stone of a similar make up that can be of the same hardness.

As mentioned before the principal weapons on the Papuan Island is the spear and the bow. That does not rule out clubs and sword clubs and I do not see why one would not hit an enemy with a stone axe or adze if one is at hand.