Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/46534
Title: Links with the recent past (2) : aids for food and drink
Authors: Lanfranco, Guido
Keywords: Pottery -- Malta
House furnishings
Clay pot cooking -- Malta
Cooking -- Equipment and supplies
Stoves, Oil -- Malta
Issue Date: 1982
Publisher: Gulf Publishing Ltd.
Citation: Lanfranco, G. (1982). Links with the recent past (2) : aids for food and drink. Civilization, 2, 44-48.
Abstract: The miscellany of household items, now crowded out by the modern appliances of gas and electricity, bear witness to the efforts of our fathers who, like everyone else, strived for the little comforts of daily life, with what was available at the time. The more primitive kenur (stone stove) and mnara (oil-lamp warmer) were replaced by metal stoves imported from European countries, and therefore not considered to have any peculiarity to our islands; however, the study and observation of these items will reflect the standard of living available at the time, commercial and social problems which influenced our Islands, emanating from neighbouring lands. Mentioning stoves and cookers, one must remember that the fuel in use by the majority was firewood, made up of twigs and bushes of many local plants, including thorny species of thistles from the countryside. Much of the woodwork of local craftsmen has disappeared in time, since all damaged or unserviceaole material was burnt as firewood; when abundant, much of it found its way into the bonfires of St. John's Day, 24th June, a feast introduced into our Islands by the Knights of St. John, and which has various religious and pagan justifications. However, no such jubilations would have taken place during the presence of the French 1798 - 1800, when all firewood available was employed in vital functions, when furniture and ships were broken up as firewood, and vessels carrying firewood were captured and requisitioned by the French. Importation of fuel for domestic use became eventually frequent, after the First World War, and with it came the kerosene sellers and petrol sellers in the streets, encouraging the importation of stoves of all types then available.
URI: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/46534
Appears in Collections:Melitensia Works - ERCWHMlt

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