These recycled metal funnels are used to refill small oil lamps, also made from recycled metal. The old tins are turned into cheap, attractive household equipment in small workshops. Many people cannot afford new, factory-made kitchen tools so instead they can buy these reused, handcrafted ones.

These two funnels were made in the Gambia but similar ones can be found in many other countries in South America, Asia and Africa. They are also exported as they have now become popular with tourists.

The design of a funnel is simple and unchanging with a small tube and a wider conical mouth. It prevents spillage and wastage when pouring liquids from a larger container to a smaller one.

To see an example of oil lamps that these funnels would be used with click on Collection Connections below.