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Oil lamps were generally suspended from above on chains, or set on
tabletops. If set on tabletops, they could be either low vessels (such as a
dish) or placed higher up on a stand. Lamps could be hung individually or en
mass in metal frames called polycandelons. It was common for lamps to be
hung or set into stands, and as candles came into use, it appears that the
lamp stands were the origins for candlesticks. Indeed, many early
candlesticks could accommodate either candles or lamps.
Oil lamps could be quite simple and inexpensive, or very elaborate affairs
only the most wealthy could afford. They could be made of pottery, stone,
metal, clay or glass. They might have but a single wick or several. Wicks
might be made of dried moss, linen, hemp, cotton or even strips of old
cloth.
Cotton proved to make the best wicks, and replaced all others as it
became common. Records warn that wool makes poor wicks, and this is true.
Wicks could be floated on top of the oil, or placed in to the oil to rest on
the edge of the lamp, or be supported in the oil by a metal spring or clip.
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Oil Lamps
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