Fire making workshop with ancient methods

This workshop, led by wilderness guide Pekka Mikkonen, will show how fires were started with various methods before the invention of matches and lighters. These methods include, for example, friction heat, quartz stones and steel spikes and tinderboxes.

Various forms of friction heat were used in the Stone Age and are still used even today in exceptional circumstances. Quartz stones and steel spikes were the first method of fire making in Finland that involved the use of steel. This method was in use until the beginning of the 9th century, approximately.

Tinderboxes with flintstone, amadou and fire steel replaced the method and were in use until the mid-20th century.

In addition to starting a fire, the workshop includes a demonstration of the equipment used to start a fire, its history and mechanism. The significance and transportation of fire and wilderness traditions are also part of the workshop.

Duration: about 30 minutes.