Pocket Statues: what was the purpose?

[drummerboy]

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1374952143/religious-french-copper-catholic-tube?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=saint+anthony+icon&ref=sr_gallery-2-41&search_preloaded_img=1&organic_search_click=1

I've seen other versions of this.  Miniature statues meant to be carried.  My great-uncle had one that was a miniature statue of Saint Anthony and Saint Raphael, in a small vinyl envelope/pouch, meant to be carried and implore protection for travelers.  Was this a holdover from pre-print years, when anybody could carve a mini statue, instead of carry an image? Or perhaps the custom held on because a statue is more durable, and you can set it up as a makeshift altar of sorts?  An alternative to wearing a medal too I suppose.

[Acolyte]

Found this

https://linnetmoss.com/2014/04/14/talismans-part-1-pocket-shrines/#:~:text=These%20little%20cases%20with%20statues,hand-fashioned%20from%20bullet%20cartridges.