Coarse earthenware oil burner
Agency/Maker
Convict (Unknown)
Production date
1790-1820
See full details
Object Detail
Oil burner used in a domestic context in the same manner as a candle. Oil was a more prevalent and cheaper lighting method than candles in the early Colonial period. This particular crucible was identified as made in Parramatta because of the nature of the sand profile in the clay.
This artefact was discovered in an archaeological investigation in 1989 encompassing the foreshores of the Parramatta River from Arthur Street to Charles Street Wharf, from the Gasworks Bridge to Morton Street, land on George Street between Harris and Purchase Streets. The site has a varied history with the wharf landing in existence from 1788, and barracks, stores, granaries, a mens’ asylum, a mill and cloth factory all being in evidence at times between 1788 and the 1930s.
8cm
3 and 1/8"
Base diameter
3.5cm
1 and 6/16"
height
4cm
1 and 1/2"