For those unfamiliar with the casse-tête, it was a lightweight asymmetrical hardwood stick with a polished ball or burl on one end (example) which could be used to either break long bones or skulls depending on intent.

For some reason I only find mention of this weapon in reference to the Iroquois, who seemend to have used it with redoubtable effectiveness. I can't help but wonder how their adversaries fought back. It is not a complicated or subtle weapon to reproduce. Was there perhaps another weapon deemed to provide a superior defense against the Casse-Tête? If so what was it? If it's use remained confined to the Iroquois confederation, why was it not adaopted by other neighboring first nations?