Single flame

[Jeff Wagner]

Here is a challenge for your consideration. Let's assume that use have need of a single isolated flame (as opposed to a flaming mass of tinder ) with which to light your new stone oil lamp or primitive torch for example. You may use any of the primitive means of fire making, but not ferocium nor any means invented after say....year 1800. How would you proceed...? ):

[tomtom]

how long does it have to burn for?

[hootchi]

How about a concertina of birch bark (a spill) lit from a small mass of burning tinder? :?:

[arctic hobo]

Easy. Get a cord of any kind (natural cordage), whack one end into a pottery saucer of animal oil, and set light to the other. :biggthump

[Jeff Wagner]

To restate, the challenge is to create by primitive means, one isolated self-sustaining flame that burns long enough to ignite some other combustible of your choice. It might be a candle, a wick or a cannon fuse.

[arctic hobo]

... what did I do wrong? It's all primitive, and it's one single flame :?:

[brynbach]

I've used reeds soaked in animal fats or vegetable oils as candles. Just take the reed and peel off all but a thin strip of the green outside which holds the pith together. Then soak in animal fat (I've used lamb and beef) and leave to harden. Light from your fire made by bow drill...

It also works with cordage in a container of fat that is liquid at room temp.

Any good :?:

Cheers
BB