African Clay Oil Lamp Tutorial
Clay oil lamps in Africa are used for utilitarian, ritualistic, and symbolic purposes.
African Clay Oil Lamp Tutorial
In Africa for
millions of years, people captured naturally occurring fire, tended it, and
preserved it for long periods. Fire is important not only for warmth and for
cooking, but for light. Currently, nearly 662 million Africans lack access to
electricity. Throughout Africa, only 43% of urban and rural households have
access to reliable electricity.
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| Clay oil lamp |
Shells, such as conch or oyster, were also used as lamps. Manufactured lamps are not always cost effective and readily available. Many households use simple molds or hand forming techniques to make clay lamps.
Clay Oil Lamp Tutorial Materials and Directions
Materials
• Waterproof air-dry
clay, the amount depends on the size of your lamp
• 100% cotton fabric
for the wick, 4 inches wide, and the length depends on the size of your lamp
• Olive oil enough
to fill the lamp
• Scissors
Directions
Olive oil lamps are
simple to make and nearly any shape can be used, as long as it holds oil
without leaking or spilling and has a spout and a filling hole. Once your lamp
is shaped to your liking, follow directions on the clay package to cure and harden
it.
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| Reading by candlelight |
Insert the wick into
the lamp’s spout positioning the wick so it extends from the bottom of the oil
lamp to approximately 1/2” above the spout. Trim the excess if any with
scissors. Be sure the wick is saturated with oil before lighting. Use your
handmade clay lamp under adult supervision only. Oil lamps may set off smoke
detectors.
Read more facts and food recipes about Africa
Links
West African Ginger Beer Recipe
Sierra Leone Fish Soup Recipe
African Countries and Capitals That Begin with M Word Search
Quick and Easy Bitter Leaf Stew Recipe
All 54 African countries have national anthems.
