Much previous coverage. There are many other interesting value-objects in the pacific, not just these. I have a small collection. Cassowary bones through stone rings. It's quite interesting how widespread the stone ring is as a prehistoric object of value - neolithic China, many Polynesian/Micronesian/Pacific islands, etc. Holey beads were also widely traded by the Romans and other empires and have often been found very far afield. I guess "hangs on a thread" was the killer feature there. If only it were so easy for modern startups...