In other aspects of conduct or social relations, the steel axe was even more
significantly at the root of psychological stress among the Yir Yoront. This was the
result of new factors which missionary considered beneficial]: the simple
numerical increase in axes per capita as a result of mission distribution, and
distribution directly to younger men, women, and even children. By winning the
favor of the mission staff, a woman might be en a steel axe which was clearly
intended to be hers, thus creating ting a situation quite different from the previous
custom which necessitated her borrowing an axe from a male relative.