Object of the Week: Vilakku Lamps

WHAT IS IT?

Vilakku refers to oil and wick lamps, which can primarily be found in southern India (Kerala and Tamil Nadu) and northern Sri Lanka.

These brass and bell metal (i.e. bronze with a little extra tin) oil lamps were primarily used to decorate Hindu family homes and temples. That noted, vilakku can also be found in Christian churches and homes, as well as some Muslim mosques in the Kerala region.

Vilakku are traditionally made using a

centuries old “lost wax” process of metal casting. The lamps usually consist of four parts, which are screwed together — a base, which acts as a drip pan, a central post, a bowl with multiple “v”-shaped grooves (or diyas) to hold wicks and oil for lighting, and the crown. The crown or finial is frequently in the shape of a rooster or a mythical bird known as a Hamsa or Annapakshi, which represents prefect union and balance in life …its name is after all tied to the exhalation of the Sanskrit sound “ham” and the inhalation of “sa”.

The number and type of wicks used, along with the type of oil, can represent different blessings. Generally speaking, though, the lighting of a vilakku celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. …what’s not to love about that? Crowned with a rooster, vilakku can also represent the dawn of a new era and new beginnings... something we are all likely looking forward to right about now!

HOW TO STYLE

While vilakku are still used as ceremonial lamps, they also make beautiful decorative pieces.

—Place one on the floor, a shelf, or a table.

—Let it stand on its own, use it as an incense holder, or fill it with fresh or dry potpourri flowers.

Near an door, it will echo its traditional placement at the main entrance of a home.

Decorate it with flower, fresh or dried. Go big with garlands, a'la Sri Lankan wedding ceremonies, where the lighting symbolizes the joining of two families and blessings for a favorable future...

Or place a few simple buds in the bowl or tray...

Bronze and brass weather with age, so you can't go wrong with a good patina!

Hanging lanterns can be placed in a corner or near an entrance; the more the better!

While I'm a little nervous about the open flame, how gorgeous would something like this be in a garden?

WHERE TO BUY

But first… some terms to know…

There are LOTS of names referring to similarly-shaped oil lamps, which will come in handy when searching for your own special one.

—Vilakku means “lamp” in Malayalam and Tamil.

—Thooku means “hanging". So Thookuvilakku or Thookkuvilakku is a “hanging lamp”. Traditionally, these were more common in temples.

—Kuthu means “standing”, so Kuthuvilakku is a “standing lamp”. Nilavilakku also refers to lamps placed on the ground.

—Nachiarkoil Kuthuvilakku is the formal name for lamps made in Nachiarkoil, a town in Tamil Nadu, India. Just like champagne and bordeaux can only come from certain towns, Nachiarkoil Kuthuvilakku is the registered geographic indication for vilakku that come from trained craftsman, known as Pathers, in Nachiarkoil.

If you find yourself in southern India or Sri Lanka, local antique shops are usually the best places buy these lamps. Online, Etsy and The Indian Weave have a variety of solid options.

Alternative Options:

The below lotus flower lanterns are the best of both worlds -- place a tea light candle inside the bloom, and still have the option of using oil and wicks below. Bonus, the flowers open and close!

Otherwise, this CB2 incense holder, with its bronze finish and a Hamsa-looking bird perched on top, is ready to make your home smell great and give you some balance.

Thanks for wandering on over to our site -- cheers to new beginnings and knowledge beating out ignorance!