It was used in the late 19th and early 20th centuries for storing meat and other perishables before the availability of modern refrigeration. The mesh panels allowed for air circulation to keep food cool through evaporation while protecting it from pests and files. The wood is Huon pine, a slow-growing Tasmanian native timber containing an oil that retards fungi growth which was ideal for storing perishables. Dimensions: 81cm (l) x 45cm (w) x 168cm (h)