A kerosene lamp (also known as a paraffin lamp in some countries) is a type of lighting device that uses kerosene as a fuel.
Kerosene lamps have a wick or mantle as light source,
or hand-held lanterns may be used for portable lighting.
Kerosene lamps have been used since the mid-19th century
with their popularity peaking in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
They provided a crucial source of indoor and outdoor lighting before the widespread electrification of homes and communities.
Kerosene lamps were particularly prevalent in regions where access to electricity was limited or nonexistent.