What purpose does a brazier serve?

A brazier serves primarily as a means for cooking or heating with hot coals. This versatile tool has been used throughout history in various cultures to generate heat for cooking food or providing warmth in a space. Braziers often consist of a metal container in which hot coals or embers are placed, allowing for the efficient use of heat.

Various ancient civilizations utilized braziers for practical purposes; they could be found in cooking areas, homes, or gathering places where heat was needed. While they can also have decorative qualities, their main function is centered around providing heat for culinary or comfort purposes.

The other options describe uses or items that do not align with the primary function of a brazier, thus further reinforcing why the correct answer pertains directly to its role in cooking or heating.