Carrying stuff on your head

You know how in a lot of eastern countries, the women carry things on their heads? What are the pros and cons of that practice?

Pros
* You can carry about 20% of your body weight on your head and expend as much energy as you would by just walking around with nothing to carry.
* And that's about the only pro.

Cons
* It only works for people who have been practicing for years. For the rest of us, carrying groceries on your head requires more energy than using a backpack.
* A permanently disfigured skull.
* Neck pain.
* A funny gait that's much less efficient than regular walking.

Main point: get a cart/backpack/bag/car and put stuff in it.