How Africans were telling time before clocks and watches

Oil-lamp clock — Mental Floss

Oil-lamp clock

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This was mostly used in the 18th century but was seen as risky by many. It involved a glass reservoir for oil that would lower as it was burned off. This indicated the movement of time. They were largely made for the whale oil, which was the best lamp oil fuel at the time. The whale oil burned very brightly and at a very steady rate, with little smoke.