Everyday object: Roman oil lamp
Oil lamps are a part of Roman everyday life as a mass product. Their mirror (top of an oil lamp) is decorated with various motifs. Motifs include, for example, portraits of gladiators, plants, fruits, professions, animals, signs of the zodiac, emperors and kings. Oil lamps are usually made of clay or ceramics by so-called lamp manufacturers. If the base is stamped with the manufacturer's mark, it is called a firma lamp.
Zodiac - Zodiac sign Taurus - Roman oil lamp
Our oil lamp Zodiac zodiac sign Taurus is made of a ceramic casting. The oil is filled through a small hole found between the legs of the bull. Below this hole is a larger hole for the wick. Our oil lamp is carried with thumb and forefinger on the opposite carrying handle. Terracotta look, fine decorations on the rim and the zodiac sign Taurus make this oil lamp look ancient.
- Material: ceramic with terracotta and black color scheme
- Product dimensions: length about 10.2 cm x width about 7.2 cm
- Mirror motif: bull with inscription Tauro (centered); outer rim decorated with vines and leaves
Oil lamp - important artificial light source
In certain regions, oil lamps were used as an artificial light source as early as 8000 BC. In the early days, they were flat, open stone bowls with a small groove on the rim for the wick. These oil lamps were filled with animal fat. The wick was made of plant fibers or cloth scraps. The first innovation, which was considered revolutionary, was the use of vegetable fuels (fat, tallow, oil). The lamps could now be used covered and the fuel was protected from contamination. Oil lamps were used, among other things, as night lamps in houses, taverns and brothels. If the wick starts to burn, the fuel runs out and can be refilled immediately.
Unique luminous atmosphere
Oil lamps emit their warm light evenly in dark rooms, mysterious and natural. Together with your students, set up a room with the idyllic ambiance of burning oil lamps. Feel together this tranquil atmosphere.
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