Some time ago, I needed an ancient oil lamp to feature in a video I was shooting. I had to figure out the best way procure something semi-authentic. Lacking any budget I decided to create one myself. Also lacking any proper resources to create such a lamp, I set forth to make one entirely from scratch.
By scratch, I mean starting out by digging up some clay from my back yard. I sifted it to remove any debris, mixed it with water, and then formed the lamp. I initially dried it in the sun and then fired it in my fireplace.
To finish it off I used some dried cattail reeds as a wick, infused that with some rubbing alcohol and lit a match.
In the end, my lack of funds probably led to my creating a more authentic lamp than I would have originally thought possible. Or, at least, it looks that way.