despite their simplicity, bags have been fundamental for the development of human civilization, as they allow people to easily collect loose materials such as berries or food grains, and to transport more items than could readily be carried in the hands. the word probably has its origins in the norse word "baggi", from the reconstructed proto-indo-european bʰak, but is also comparable to the welsh baich (load, bundle), and the greek τσιαντουλίτσα ("chandulícha", load).