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 Virgo - Roman oil lamp
Our oil lamp Zodiac zodiac Virgo is made of a ceramic casting. The oil is filled through a small hole found on the right edge of the mirror of the lamp.In the "nose" of the oil lamp is a larger hole for the wick. Can be carried our oil lamp with the help of a small coaster. Terracotta look, fine decorations on the edge and the zodiac sign of Virgo make this oil lamp look ancient.
Color: terracotta / black
Dimensions: length : about 10.8 cm x width : 7.6 cm
In the center is the image of Virgo
to the left of the image is an inscription : Virgiuis (Virgin)
to the right of the image is a small hole for filling the oil
below the image is a small hole for the air circulation
below is a larger hole for the wick
to the left and right of the wick are two small hollows for carrying the oil lamp
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 around the edge 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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