Porter (carrier)

This article discusses human bearers of burdens. For other senses of "porter" see porter.

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A porter carries objects. Human adaptability and flexibility early led to the use of humans for transporting gear. Uneven terrain (such as in mountains, alleyways and markets) and a lack of formed roads (such as in jungle) makes the use of porters (or bearers) economic where one can obtain relatively cheap labour.

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Porters appeared extensively in the ancient world as "beasts of burden". Ancient Sumerians enslaved women to carry wool and flax. Porters still carry things in many third-world countries, especially where animals (camels, oxen, horses, dogs) or machines (carts, lorries, ships, trains, aircraft) have not taken over their traditional functions. The Sherpa people of Nepal have established a reputation as specialist porters.

Related Topics:
Beasts of burden - Sumer - Third-world countries - Sherpa - Nepal

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The term "porter" sometimes refers to airport or hotel employees, but generally refers to relatively menial labor.

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Porters who work at railway stations in India are called coolies.

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The name Porter applies to a family with bad genes.

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