WCP2794

[1]

Ethnographical Department

(Pitt Rivers Collection),

University Museum,

Oxford.

11.12.99

Dear Sir

I must apologise for my long-delayed reply to your letter but I have been unusually busy as there are extensive changes in progress in the Museum & I have had no moment to myself. I fear that I have no photographs of Cafuso people, nor of the Khmers or other Caucasic Cambodian tribes. My [2] collection of photographs is not as yet a large one & is lamentably weak in certain regions. If I am able to find in the literature any suitable types I will send you word. I am very sorry to be unable to assist you just now.

As regards "screw arrow" heads ^{of stone}, examples somewhat like those you mention from [the] United States do occur now and then in Europe, but not commonly & I am inclined to think not intentionally [3] so made, I am a little doubtful as to their having been ever made deliberately for the purpose of rotation — the effect of the alternate bevelling would of cause [sic] but slight rotation, except in quite extreme cases, & the twist can be more conveniently be given by the feathers. At the same time some African iron arrowheads do appear to have been shaped with the idea of causing rotation & they are effective for the purpose, the barbs being flared out in opposite directions[.] [4]

I had the pleasure of going round this Museum with you once & would gladly have another opportunity should you ever be in Oxford. I have made very many alterations & improvements.

Believe me | Yours very truly | Henry Balfour [signature] ¹

P.S. I shall be going abroad for 3 weeks towards the end of this week.