The pike, a long thrusting spear, was a prominent weapon in European warfare during the Late Middle Ages and early modern period. It was wielded by foot soldiers in pike square formation and was the primary weapon of Spanish tercios, Swiss mercenary, German Landsknecht units, and French sans-culottes. The pike was a long and heavy weapon, ranging from 3 to 7 meters in length and weighing approximately 2 to 6 kilograms. It featured a wooden shaft with an iron or steel spearhead affixed, often reinforced with metal strips called "cheeks" or langets. The unwieldy nature of the pike made it suitable for deliberate, defensive tactics, although better-trained troops could use it aggressively in an attack. However, the pike formations had weaknesses, such as vulnerability to flanking and difficulties in maneuvering over uneven terrain. The pike could also be surprisingly effective in single combat and dueling situations. The weapon's history dates back to ancient Europe, with the Macedonian sarissa serving as an early example of a pike-like weapon used in tactical warfare.

Pearce William Edward "Pike" Curtin (27 September 1907 – 17 May 1997) was an Australian public servant and economist known for his key role in the establishment of a banking system in Papua New Guinea. Born in Boulder, Western Australia, Curtin was also a talented sportsman, playing first-class cricket for Western Australia in his youth.Curtin attended the University of Western Australia and captained the university's team in the WACA grade cricket competition, as well as in inter-university matches. He played three first-class matches for Western Australia against touring international teams, showcasing his cricket skills.Completing his Master of Arts and Bachelor of Laws degrees in Western Australia, he later obtained a Doctorate of Philosophy from the London School of Economics. Throughout his professional career, Curtin held various significant positions, including serving as director of the Colombo Plan bureau in Sri Lanka and as chairman of the Commonwealth Public Service Board. He also played a crucial role in the Reserve Bank's establishment of a banking system in Papua New Guinea.Described as an "unorthodox economist of Fabian persuasion", Curtin made valuable contributions to the field of economics. He passed away in Canberra in May 1997, leaving behind a legacy of impactful work and contributions to the banking sector in Papua New Guinea.