Various functions have been suggested for them including keeping tortillas hot; the present example seems, however, to have been a drinking vessel.

But it may simply refer to a memorable occasion of drinking, the 'slige', or scallop shell, having often been used as a drinking vessel.

The usual drinking vessel was the skyphos, made out of wood, terra cotta, or metal.

The brahmin could only accept it in his own drinking vessel.

A well-weighted tunc also provides a stable support for the drinking vessel, lowering the possibility of it being knocked over.