Runic Recreations Collection
Drinking Horns
The Vikings, Anglo Saxons and other cultures used hollowed out cattle horns to drink from. Grave finds such as the one at Sutton Hoo have yeilded elaborately decorated horns. Click here for more details from the British Museum website.
The drinking horns shown here are all done by hand. All horns are thoroughly cleaned, first scrubbed with a bottle brush and soapy water, then left to sit filled with denture cleaner, then washed, rinsed and repeated as necessary. The clean interior of the horn is then sealed with food grade salad bowl finish. At this point the horn is safe to use for drinking.
The decorations include carving, metalwork, gemstones, and combinations of these designs. Below are some of the horn designs avaible for purchase.
Silver Braid Horn
The Vikings loved their silver, and braids were a popular motif in their jewelry. This horn, shown in black, has a braid of sterling silver attached at the rim. At the tip of the horn is a sterling silver band. Sterling silver rings are soldered to the braid and the band where a leather cord is attached so the horn can be carried easily.
Double Raven Horn
According to Norse mythology, the god Odin had two ravens, called Thought and Memory, who served him. These ravens are carved in relief and connected with Norse style knotwork desings from tip to rim of the horn. The eyes of the ravens are set with onyx cabochon gemstones. Both sides of the horn are pictured to show both ravens.
Two Tone Horn with Silver Band
Many horns are formed with color gradations such as the one shown here. A simple decoration of a sterling silver band at the rim sets off the colors of the horn perfectly.