Brokensphere/Wikimedia Commons. Ancient Egyptian lamps. Located in the Rosicrucian Museum in San Jose, California.
Ancient Egypt, a civilization renowned for its grandeur and innovation, was also a pioneer in the art of candle making. In fact, the earliest evidence that we have for the historical use of candles comes from this land. Candles in Egypt were not only used for practical purposes in daily life, but also played a significant role in their spiritual and cultural practices.
Candle Making Techniques
Egyptian candle makers employed sophisticated techniques to create candles. They would dip the dried core of the rush plant into melted tallow. These candles had no wicks, and were known as rushlights. As they were cheap and simple to make, they were used by the lower classes long after other types of candles had been invented. Later, by approximately 40BC, they had begun using candles made from beeswax, which was often mixed with other natural waxes and then molded into various shapes. The wicks were made of linen or papyrus.
Candles In Ancient Egyptian Funerary Rites
Candles played a vital role in various aspects of Egyptian life. They were used in rituals and funerary rites, as they were believed to symbolize the connection between the physical and spiritual worlds. During funerary rites, the priest or chief mourner would begin by lighting the candles, usually at dawn or dusk. The candles would then be positioned around the casket or tomb, creating a circle of light. Incense, food and drink were offered to the deceased person before prayers and spells from the Book of the Dead were recited. The light of the candles was believed to guide the Ka (life force) of the deceased into the afterlife.
Oil Lamps
In addition to these, the Ancient Egyptians also made use of lamps. Typically made of clay or ceramic, these lamps featured a shallow bowl for oil, a wick rest and often decorative handles or motifs.
Notable Discoveries
Archaeological efforts have uncovered a vast amount of evidence of the use of man-made light sources in Ancient Egypt, some examples being:
- Tutankhamun’s Tomb: Howard Carter’s discovery in 1922 of the young pharaoh’s final resting place revealed an astonishing array of funerary objects, including a collection of bronze candelabra and linseed oil lamps.
- The Temple of Hatshepsut: Excavations at Hatshepsut’s mortuary temple in Deir el-Bahri uncovered evidence of candle usage, including wax residues and 450 lamps in various shapes and sizes.
Legacy of Egyptian Candle Making
The Egyptians’ expertise in candle making influenced subsequent civilizations, shaping the art form for centuries to come. Their innovative techniques, use of natural materials, and belief in the spiritual significance of light and flames continue to inspire modern candle makers.
Sources
- “A History of Candlemaking” by The Candlemakers’ Association
- “Ancient Egyptian Materials and Technology” by Paul T. Nicholson and Ian Shaw (Cambridge University Press, 2000)
- “The Oxford Handbook of Engineering and Technology in the Classical World” by John P. Oleson (Oxford University Press, 2008)
- “The Book of the Dead” translated by E.A. Wallis Budge (Penguin Books, 1967)
- “Ancient Egyptian Funerary Practices” by John H. Taylor (British Museum Press, 2001)
- “The Tomb of Tutankhamun” by Howard Carter and A.C. Mace (Cambridge University Press, 1923-1933)
- “The Temple of Hatshepsut” by Dieter Arnold (Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1979)
