Table 1.
Recorded uses of mobile containers in hunter–gatherer ethnographies.
| Review of the ethnographic literature describing the lifeways of hunter–gatherer communities in Africa, Australia, Asia and the Americas finds the following specific mentions of mobile container use: | |
| Bathing | Carrying foodstuffs |
| Carrying equipment (various items) | Carrying infants |
| Carrying weapons (hunting and/or fighting) | Soaking raw materials |
| Collection/transport of raw materials for tool-making | Storage of alcohol |
| Concealment of dangerous objects from sight (inc. ritualized objects) | Storage of beads and body ornaments |
| Cooking | Storage of colourants |
| Foodstuff collection/transport (during gathering process) | Storage of drugs and medicines |
| Infant cradle | Storage of equipment (various tools) |
| Live animal collection/transport | Storage of foods (short and long term) |
| Medicinal procedures | Storage of raw materials for tool-making |
| Mixing of colourants | Storage/transport of water |
| Mixing of drugs and medicines | Transport of fire |
| Mixing of drinks, incl. alcohol | Traps |
| Mixing of resins and glues | Treatment of the deceased |
| Ritual procedures | Washing items |
| This list is not exhaustive but is representative of the ethnographic literature available. | |