What is this picture?

Question

What is shown in this image?

Accepted Answer

candle wick (macro). Candle wicks are deliberately braided or twisted in specific patterns so they curl as they burn, which causes the tip to break off and fall into the melted wax—this self-trimming action is what prevents wicks from smoking excessively and creating that annoying black soot on your walls. If wicks didn't curl and self-trim, candles would be basically unusable because they'd produce constant smoke and burn way too bright.

Answer: candle wick (macro)