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Old 07-19-2012, 04:03 PM   #1
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Default Carrying a live coal

I was reading a fictional novel set in 8000BC, and the people in it carried a coal with them from campsite to campsite to start a new fire. They wrapped it in moss and leather. Does this really work? I would think the coal would either go out or start a fire.

Edit: I should have put this in the Bushcraft Skills forum



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Old 07-19-2012, 07:43 PM   #2
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Yes, it really works. Most, if not all, primitive/stone age cultures had some system for transporting a live coal as their ways of generating fire were not quite as dependable as modern methods. Very popular in those societies ( such as the Plains Indians) where women were responsible for fire making. Most men in those societies were not very proficient at fire making, so they would take a live coal with them when out hunting.


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Old 07-19-2012, 08:06 PM   #3
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An animal horn (not an antler) was the usual method for carrying a coal. The horn is hard, boney and hollow and works well. Some sand for a base and packed with moss and a good hardwood coal could last all day.


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Old 07-20-2012, 05:31 AM   #4
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Yeah, I have seen it done on just about all of the survival shows on TV. Bears done it, Les has not it, Cody and Dave have done it. All using different methods.


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Old 07-20-2012, 09:04 AM   #5
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Carrying a live coal is much more efficient than trying to start a live fire every night (at least without matches). I've never carried one but it makes sense to do so.


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Old 07-20-2012, 09:46 AM   #6
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Hi...


I believe that it's possible, although I've never felt the need to do it myself.

I always reverted to the way I would make a fire in my younger years, generally with matches.


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Old 07-20-2012, 10:11 AM   #7
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One common method is a char cloth.

Char Cloth


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Old 07-20-2012, 06:50 PM   #8
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I would be interested in trying it out sometime. I don't have another trip scheduled until up in the fall because I've taken all of my vacation for this period. I may have to try the experiment with the horn. By that time I should need a fire at night anyway.


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Old 07-21-2012, 07:03 AM   #9
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We did it in Panama and used a coconut husk to carry it in. It lasted about four hours until we got to where we wanted to be.


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Old 07-24-2012, 10:39 AM   #10
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All of the survival guys on TV use that technique. Punky wood, manure, and many other materials will work. It is probably a trick that is nearly as old as the use of fire.



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