The whole “modernisation” of the Papua New Guinea highlands, over such a short period of time, is a fascinating story. The shields are one interesting measure of these changes – they way Highlanders readily incorporate new materials, ideas and motifs into warfare. In the 1950s American troops brought with them Marvel comics to the region. As a ‘man who never dies’ – a ghost who walks into the night – the “Phantom” images became a favourite theme.