For most of us today, drinking horn conjures up mental images of the wandering barbarians and stone-clad, clawed conquerors we think of as ‘Vikings’ – at least, our Hollywood fantasy glamorized version of the Vikings, which honestly probably resembled Arnold. Schwarzenegger in the loin cloth a lot more than anything from the story itself, at this point. In fact, horn compotes have played a central role in the sacred and revered social ceremonies of ancient cultures all over the world for 25,000 years (some say as long as 25,000), so it’s really no wonder they remain so desirable to antiques and collectors. until today The whole history of drinking horns is long, complicated, and still somewhat mysterious, so at the end of this article, we will focus mainly on Viking-style horns.
Scandinavian or Viking drinking horns are depicted prominently in numerous Viking epics such as the Prose Edda and Beowulf, and in many forms of Scandinavian art. The actual preserved remains of some horn compots have also been recovered from famous Anglo-Saxon burial sites like Sutton Hoo over the years, giving us at least some limited insight into when, where, why, and how horns were used. Historians believe that in the Viking Age the horns were wide and used to drink cattle and goats, sometimes with metal fittings and fortifications, but often one solid bone polished and excavated. These days both styles are created from any number of mediaeval and pagan craftsmen, antique shops or even dances. the market and the almost dizzying variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Choosing the right drinking horn can be a daunting task, so here are a few tips and where to start.
Prices for drinking horns vary substantially depending on size, quality and decorative “extras” such as cracks and metal tips elaborate carvings, and all other fancy ornaments. Many people were just looking for a good old-fashioned novelty value of flying a Miller light and/or mead from a huge bullhorn in the next yard barbecue probably won’t miss the intricate knot or other shiny doodads that can make the difference between a $30 horn and a $600 one, and there’s certainly no shame in simple straight holes. trumpet-drinking business – you seem to be Vikings, after all.
Online, there are many sites like “Northern” Shop (http://www.thorhammer.org /en /Viking_Drnkiing_Horns_Drinking/l_WG166), “The Jelling Dragon” (http://www.jelldragon.com/drinking_horns.htm), vikingvear.com, and viking-shield.com which offer a large selection of field, custom, and custom horns, such as to appease your inner Norwegian, they range in price from less than $20 to $1000 in some spaces. Popular auction sites like eBay are also great deals if you’re hunting for a bargain on something rare or unique. . Those looking to get some fresh air instead can grab and strip down to the nearby medium arts & either stock up on old antiques or browse local listings for the next beauty update coming to town.
On the downside, properties and properties like this can be few and far between wherever you live, and their selections tend to be smaller and sometimes much more expensive. On the other hand, you will have the opportunity to see and play the horns before you buy, not to pay any delivery charges, and most importantly, you will have the opportunity to work with the seller or the artists. A person to ask any final questions you may have about the proper care and maintenance of your horns and the differences between the two types.
If you feel brave or very bored, the third option is always to try your own “do”. Some sites like armourarchive.org have helpful guides and resources to help you along the way (http://www.armourarchive.org/essays/essay__drinkinghorn.shtml), and although the process can be a bit tedious and frustrating at times, it can also be a great deal. fun if you want to work with your hands. It’s also one of the first ways to make sure you’re getting the most personal and customized work possible, down to the smallest detail, and it can be a lot more cost-effective than what you usually find in stores. You’ll still have your horned animal training to begin with, of course, but no one ever thought Viking life was easy.
Whether you want to buy your own drinking horn or start from scratch, it’s important to keep two things in mind. First, in all horn calculations, the raw parts of what were once living animals are started. It is important to thoroughly clean and sterilize them before attempting to drink anything from them. Second, raw animal horns like this are stubbornly porous, so it is absolutely necessary to use only specific types of finishes, waxes and chemicals safe drinking, but still very rough, leaving a nasty, musky smell. olfactory and long-lasting aftertase, which must be avoided by careful cleaning, and some are susceptible to hot, cold, and which are more like sourness than others, so that you know to ask the seller about particulars, and not about some horn first. buy Remember – drinking horns can be a lot of fun as decorations, conversation pieces, or really scare the beer bug, but you can be sure that they can be quite clever at times. Use a little extra before you buy, and you’ll be drinking as a shameless, belligerent bridge spade in no time. Oh, and don’t forget to stock up on milk. Valhalla!
