Oil lamp

[Infragreen]

I think there's an article around here somewhere with that picture in it.

I remember the text stating that the wick was a piece of fungus.

Maybe something about "the many uses of polypores" or somesuch.

I THINK it shows a whole shelf fungus being used as a cooker. Turned upside down and lit.

Oh, and... The quality of your oil DOES matter.

I used an absolutely HORRIBLE "Virgin Olive Oil" in a couple of lamps. Or... I tried.

This stuff tasted rancid, and also clogged up the wicks pronto.

For now, I'll go with larger seashells and wicks from polyporus or soft/bull/candle/pin rush pith. The rush pith is like ready-made candle wick.

 

[Wayland]

Sorry, only just seen your question.

Yes it is simple. Most shells will balance in such a way that the open side faces up.

In this position a simple bit of string (natural fibre), dry plant stem or moss will act as a wick with oil in the shell.

In the Pitt Rivers museum in Oxford (well worth a visit by the way) I saw a whelk shell hug on cord that was being used as an oil lamp in Orkney or Shetland (can't remember which) until quite recently. :thinkerg:

 

[Infragreen]

Ok, I got it.

The original article is: Usefulness of Polypores In Primitive Firemaking

Located in Flora & fauna forum.

Good reading, btw.