A zhirovik is a lamp that works on the basis of the combustion of oil or fat.
The zhirovik presented in the museum’s collection is a roughly sculpted ceramic bowl on a thick leg created without the use of a potter’s wheel, ending in an extension in the form of a trough. The object was fired, probably in a conventional furnace, with oxygen access. The condition of the surface of the zhirovik indicates its long-term use.
The principle of operation of such lamps is quite simple: oil or melted fat (for example, lard) is poured into a container, then a wick — rope consisting of vegetable or artificial fibers — is immersed there, along which, due to the capillary effect, oil or fat rises to the top. The second end of the wick, fixed above the oil, is ignited. The oil burns while rising up the wick.
Oil lamps can be of an open type (like the one presented in the museum’s collection) and a closed type, with a spout (like the fabulous “Aladdin lamp”).
A mandatory element of the zhirovik was a handle or, as in this case, a high leg with an extension, which made it easy to carry the lighting device from place to place.
Similar objects have been known since the Paleolithic era — the “Ancient Stone Age.” They were made of stone. In the Neolithic era, lamps were made of clay. As technology progressed, mankind developed fat and oil lamps made of copper and other metals. In any case, this kind of lighting appeared on Earth before the rest.
The zhirovik presented in the museum’s collection is of the most primitive kind. Perhaps it served to illuminate outbuildings or hallways. It should be noted that when burned, animal fat gives quite a strong smell. In addition to the main “lighting” task, a zhirovik can be used for heating. Of course, in such cases it should have a larger size than the zhirovik from the collection, but oil lamps are known to be used for such purposes by the peoples of the north — from Siberia to Alaska and Canada.
This zhirovik was donated to the museum in 1972 by
V.K. Reschikov, a resident of the Bolsherechensky district of the Omsk region.
