Matches! The rough texture of the "fur" was used to create friction to strike the matches. Before modern safety matches, there used to be a white (phosphorous?) tip that would ignite easily enough to get the red match portion going. I suspect his nose was used, too, considering the shine.
I have an antique sterling match safe used for even earlier matches, when they were so costly that the lady of the house would keep them on her person, so they would stay safe and dry.
Before electricity, we relied on flame for heat, light, and cooking, so it was a very important element of daily life.