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Lighting

Archaeologists found part of a traditional Chinese oil lamp. They also found the glass base of an oil lamp that was common in non-Chinese American homes in the 19th century.

 

 

The oil lamps burned sperm-whale oil, other animal fat, and kerosene. They became covered in soot and had to be cleaned almost every day. When gas and (later) electricity were introduced, lighting the laundry became much easier.

 

 

Finding these lamps tells us that Chinese workers at the laundry used both traditional and Euroamerican technology to light their home.

 

How might electrical lighting have improved the life of the laundry workers?

What evidence around your house would tell future archaeologists how your house was lit?

 

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Compare your ideas to the archaeologists' ideas