Lighting devices in the Museum’s Archaeological Material

The Archaeological Collection of the Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation contains several dozen ancient lighting tools obtained during archaeological research or found as single finds in the territory of Riga, mainly in the old town. The objects date from the 13th to the 19th century.

The lighting appliances are a testament to the ancient Rigans’ efforts to provide adequate lighting for everyday life, work, religious practice and studies.Ancient lighting devices were designed to easily accommodate substances that would give light when burned – usually splinters, candles or oil. Lighting tools are candlesticks and oil lamps, mostly made of iron, non-ferrous metal or ceramic.

Text by the Head of the Archeology department Ilze Reinfelde.