They are much better in shape than anything I've seen for many years, and are of the desirable soft wood (less heat conduction). The larger ones will need just a little carving to make them ideal, but so did my original model.

The trinkets included are also appreciated, especially the [link|http://virtual.finland.fi/netcomm/news/showarticle.asp?intNWSAID=25786|Sami] cell phone. I'm sure it will be ideal for communicating with the spirit world during shamanic rituals and that it can be used in everyday life as well is a plus.

The cloisonné pin of the Finnish flag will join my collection of cloisonné pins. The collection includes service pins from companies I used to work for, some religious and political pins (I think the "God and Country" one is Lutheran), swag from Comdex past (when it mattered) and Canadian trade booths, my Hitlerjugend pin, a Kriegsmarine service pin (World War I) and two SS stickpins.

If I remember correctly I purchased the Hitlerjugend and Kriegsmarine service pin somewhere during my misspent youth and inherited the SS stickpins from a crazy Russian (ummmm . . . is there another kind?) who shot himself (succeeded on second attempt - missed the first time).

Thanks, Conrad. Let me know when I can return the favor.

[link|http://virtual.finland.fi/netcomm/news/showarticle.asp?intNWSAID=25786|Sami] Cell Phone (for communicating with spirit world - beer bottle opener on reverse side) - not a Nokia model.

[image|http://www.aaxnet.com/ajg/samicellphone.jpg||||]