[Tim Simmons]

Again I feel there is room here for you to lend substance to your thinking with related information and illustration. I can extend the area of investigation throughout Melanesia, Micronesia and find many forms of weapon, wood and stone that in ways relate to the piece in question. The likeness to Biro-Biro totems {how extensive is this and other cassowary cults?} and weapons that were clearly based on this concept plus the fact that flint was a trade commodity in Melanesia and beyond through the Torres Straits is quite weighty. With the absents of field research and time to access collections in various cities I have in the very least tried to present a reasoned and informed opinion. Can you elaborate on your indication that flint nodule clubs were not made? I will keep this in mind and in the coming few months find time to visit the British Museum, and the Brighton museum where there is a good permanent display of Melanesian artifacts to do more research on the matter. I would find it hard to claim anything ardently without having the opportunity to handle the item. It will only be a matter of time before more conclusive evidence emerges like in an earlier discussion.