I've been researching traditional wilderness living techniques and one group of people whose ingenuity and simplicity are extraordinary are the Inuit. To be able to survive where they did how they did is often hard to fathom, but they did, and very well.

Aside from things like the igloo and dogsled, one thing that has always intrigued me is the "qulliq", or seal oil lamp, which was used to light the shelters, as well as heat them and sometimes for cooking.

I've been thinking about how its design could be used in UL heating and lighting needs, trying to come up with something as simple and useful, but in a lightweight package. So far I've considered candle tallow in a sardine can with the wick lining one lip of the can. THe tallow would harden when not in use and would therefore present less of a problem when being carried around. Still have to make it and see, but in the meantime would anyone have any ideas? I've never seen an actual qulliq or one in use. It would be fascinating to see how they were used.

Edited by butuki on 11/22/2009 07:46:19 MST.

Miguel,

Check out this video:


Video Link

Edited by bfornshell on 11/22/2009 10:11:08 MST.

It seems that these are a clever use of the resources that the Inuit had available to them.
Wikipedia has a picture of one being used:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Qulliq_1999-04-01.jpg
http://www.athropolis.com/arctic-facts/fact-kudlik.htm

There used to be multiwick candles available at camping stores that would be somewhat similar in use. Campmor still has something that can use 3 wicks, but I seem to recall candles that would have 5 or more wicks for cooking and warming.
http://campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___87525

Very nice video, Bill. Full URL:
http://www.isuma.tv/lo/en/arnait/qulliq-oil-lamp
A lot of interesting stuff is on that website.

Hi Miguel

We ran an article on candle stoves, by Mark Hurd. It may help a bit.

Cheers