Fragments of cane torches and bark fibers that have been burned are found beside bare footprints that are said to be 3000 years old or more in Mammoth Cave. Evidence is apparent that minerals were gathered by explorers of old such as gypsum, perhaps for paint and various sulfates. In Russell Cave in Alabama two black Bear humeri bones were found. They were cut, smoothed, hollowed and polished and were obviously used as hand held torches of some type. It is evident that indeed they did, for on cave walls all around the world they have left a legacy of artwork still spectacular even to this day to even the most hard-core of art critics.
Magnificent frescoes depict a world gone by, yet never have seen the light of day.
Whether exploring a cave or needing to light a trail or camp in the dark, a knowledge of primitive lighting methods is a valuable survival skill to know. Intrigued by the possibilities of exploring yet another skill of the past I began my own experiments into ancient lighting methods, not to mention the usefulness of such a skill in a survival situation. Making light, like making fire requires drawing upon a practical understanding and skill with fire. As any good firebuilder knows, you must keep a constant supply of good, dry tinder, kindling and fuel on hand to nurture a fire, if you are to keep a fire burning. It is no different when using fire for light.