oil lamps (lamps (lighting devices))

Oil lamp made from a recycled tin, the label of which has been removed. The drip tray section has been made from a section of a Cadbury's Bournvita tin. There is a small looped handle on the side.

Provides inexpensive artificial light both indoors and out in places without electricity. How is it used? The tin is filled with kerosene/paraffin, corn oil or anEy other burning oil. A cotton wick, inserted through the hole in the lid, soaks up the oil and when lit burns more brightly than a candle until all the oil is used up. Empty tins of any size can be adapted to make an oil lamp and larger lamps can provide many hours of light. Who is it used by and why them? This lamp is from Nigeria in West Africa but lamps like this are used in many countries where electricity is not always available. Although it can be used both indoors and out, it is commonly used by street traders to light up roadside stalls after dark.

Collection Information

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