Containers

The Containers hierarchy contains descriptors for artifacts used to hold substances or objects. Included are descriptors for containers intended for culinary use, for horticultural use, for health care, hygiene, and similar personal needs as well as descriptors for containers associated with liturgical, funerary, and other ceremonial activities. A descriptor for a container is placed either with respect to the item's earliest historical use or where the descriptor has its broadest meaning. Ancient vase shapes, however, have been placed by their classical meaning or context, even though in some instances the descriptor may be applied to preclassical or postclassical vessels.Relation to Other Hierarchies: Descriptors for devices used to measure in descriptors of standard units or fixed amounts (e.g., "measuring spoons") appear in the Measuring Devices hierarchy. Large- and small-scale appliances and similar culinary equipment (e.g.g., "iceboxes", "coffee makers") appear in the Tools and Equipment hierarchy. Descriptors for artifacts that may in some instances be considered types of container (e.g., "chests of drawers") but which fall within the scope of other hierarchies, such as Furnishings or Tools and Equipment, are excluded here.