Starry starry night…

This oil can from Zimbabwe has been made into a holder for a nightlight. It is in the style of a paper lantern with multiple cuts around the side. It is a simple design and has been carried out with great care so that the cut edges are not sharp and each strip is of the same width. The cutting allows the lantern to be squashed into a less tubular shape and more interesting shape. It also means that the sides of the metal are further away from the flame of the nightlight so will not get so hot too quickly. The strips allow the light to shine through in an interesting pattern, and this particular brand of oil has a white star as its emblem, reflecting the idea of the night sky.

Recycled objects like this one are used in many sub-Saharan communities, and are also sold to tourists.