Antique Cast Iron Charcoal Iron, Juba , South Sudan

Antique Charcoal Iron, Traditional Clothes Iron

Charcoal Cast Iron: as the name suggests, it is made of flat slabs of cast iron in which charcoal inserted in the base acts as the source of heat.

This is the iron of my childhood. During my grandparents and parents youth, it was uncouth to leave the house in wrinkled clothing. To denote your status and protect your dignity, you took the time to iron your clothes.

Charcoal Iron. Juba, South Sudan

Bear this in the context that use of this iron takes time and finesse. First you must burn charcoal, when the coals are hot, place some inside this iron, shake out the ashes, latch the top so the coals don’t fly out while you are using it, and press the iron firmly over your clothing laid on a table. You must monitor the temperature, too much coals and your clothes could burn. If it gets too hot you spray water on the coals to cool the temperature. If it is not hot enough then you open the iron, shake out the ashes, and add more hot coal. One always tested the temperature on a towel prior to applying to your clothing to be ironed.

Traditional Charcoal Iron, Juba, South Sudan

How privileged are you today to never have to use a charcoal iron? And, in the absence of an electric iron, could you leave your house in wrinkled clothes?