Lantern | Highland Folk Museum

3D Model

This tin lantern from the Highland Folk Museum collection is from Skye & dates from the 19th century. Tin-smithing was one of the crafts which Highland Travellers were particularly well known for.

The lanterns were pierced with varied patterns made from lines, dots and crosses, which let some air in & allowed light to spread out. They were also known as stable lanterns, as they were often used as lighting in the outbuildings. The round window in the hinged door is made from the base of a stemmed drinking glass.

Travelling people have been part of Highland culture for centuries. In addition to carrying out seasonal jobs such as helping on farms at harvest times, Travellers would also make items to sell or trade. They were known to be skilled silversmiths, tinsmiths, horn-workers & basket-makers. Before electricity was commonplace in the Highlands, lanterns like this were an essential part of life.

Find out more about the Highland Folk Museum collection here: www.highlandfolk.com/explore