As early as 225 BC, chain was used to draw a bucket of water up from a well. This very early bucket chain was composed of connected metal rings.Tsubakimoto Chain Co., ed. (1997). The Complete Guide to Chain. Kogyo Chosaki Publishing Co., Ltd. p. 240. ISBN0-9658932-0-0. p. 211. Retrieved 17 May 2006.
The use the metaphor of chains to symbolize the oppression of the proletariat under capitalism. Howard, James. "The Communist Manifesto Symbols: Chains". LitCharts LLC. Retrieved 20 October 2025.