This object was placed above the flame of a kerosene lamp to collect soot and other debris as it burned to protect the ceiling paint and the area surrounding the lamp.
Use
Lighting within the cabin was provided by kerosene lamps of various types as shown by the wide variety of lighting devices found within the cabin and booby. In the center of the cabin there likely was suspended a hanging lamp suggested by the discovery of an opal smoke shade or saucer found on the deck alongside the cabin. Canaler Cora Archambault has stated that most canal boats had a suspended lamp within the cabin. The saucer was designed to collect the soot or lamp black and heat from the burning kerosene so that the ceiling paint would not get soiled and peel. Chimneys and globes frequently broke due to accidents and stress to the glass caused by the heat of the flame.