In really ancient times, veggie writing was common, opposing states would send items to send a message…

The problem is that the items could have different meaning.

For example, of you got a box and it had a feather, a frog, and an arrow, what do you think it means? A warning? Insult? Deceleration of war? Peace Offering?

And so, based on the interpretation of the contents, the messenger might not have been so lucky.