KEROSENE LANTERN

By:
Ajukura, Fidelis O.
ajukurafidelisobi@gmail.com
17th March, 2023

Look closely at the picture, do you recognize the item in it? It is called kerosene lantern. Kerosene lantern is called 'utukpe' in Ogba language, 'fitilar kananzir' in hausa, 'atupa Kerosene' in yoruba, 'mpanaka' in igbo etc. Kerosene lanterns are simply lanterns that burn kerosene by pulling it up through a wick within the lantern, creating light. Worldwide, an estimated 1.6 billion people use kerosene or other similar oil as their primary source of fuel for lighting. Although, kerosene is a better fuel choice for cooking and lighting than solid fuels, there are many concerns - both environmentally and in terms of health.

Just few decades ago, kerosene lantern used to be a major source of light at night. There was hardly any home without kerosene lantern. From a distance, one could see the lantern flickering off and on. In the night, any house that the lantern was not seen to be glowing in its usual unsteady manner suggests quite clearly that "there was nobody in the house".

In the rural areas as well as the semi urban areas people, especially women who go out in moonless nights carry lanterns to help illuminate their path; this saved many of them from stepping on snakes and other dangerous reptiles. While this practice subsists in northern part of the country, it also serve to erase any form of suspicion bothering on infidelity. The reason being that, nights are the most appropriate time for women especially, those in the 'purdah' to visit close family relations.

The use of kerosene lanterns required care and diligence. Before dusk, the globe, a round glass that protects the naked flame and yet ensures that unobstructed light is given was thoroughly washed. The same goes for the kerosene - it had to be at a reasonable level. The lantern was just like a vehicle, everything had to be in their rightful position before the ignition could be turned on.

With the improvement of power supply and the introduction of modern rechargeable lanterns and torchlights, the kerosene lanterns have gradually disappeared from the market. Similarly, the astronomical price of kerosene has further religated the kerosene lanterns to the background. Even if kerosene lantern is given to everybody free of charge, I'm convinced that many people will not be able to use it.

Kerosene lantern belong to the past now, its place has been taken over by better and cleaner sources of energy. However, it is important for the younger ones who never used it to know how valuable it used to be in time past.

Look closely at the picture

Memories
Nostalgia
Retrospection