Set of Six Handcrafted Buffalo Horn Gaming Dice

Set of Six Handcrafted Buffalo Horn Gaming Dice

History of Dice and Gaming Through the Ages

Gaming dice have accompanied humanity since antiquity, and in the Early Middle Ages—especially during the Viking expansion era (8th to 11th centuries)—they ranked among the most popular forms of recreation. Soldiers and mariners used them to pass the long hours in camps and aboard ships. While the common folk used dice carved from bone, antlers, or wood, wealthier individuals favored more luxurious materials like dark horn or ivory. These dice were not machine-perfect, which turned every game into a suspenseful affair full of surprises. This set is a perfect replica of period gaming gear, which was used historically for passing time, ritual divination, or classic hazard gambling for valuable spoils.

Practical Use in LARP and Reenactment

This set of six dice, measuring approximately 14 mm / 9/16 in per edge, is fantastic for historical reenactment, Renaissance fairs, or within LARP gaming as a stylish prop or valuable currency in taverns. The dice are an ideal accessory for a period Viking or medieval costume—simply tuck them into a leather pouch at your belt. They are fully functional, and thanks to their polished finish, they roll smoothly on any wooden table or stone surface.

Technical Specifications

Care Instructions and Safety Guidelines

Horn is a purely natural material that naturally flexes and reacts to environmental conditions over time. It is strictly forbidden to expose the dice to high temperatures or wash them in a dishwasher! Excessive heat and harsh chemical detergents will cause warping, deformation, or cracking of the horn material.

To keep your dice looking like new, please adhere to these guidelines:

• Keep the dice away from prolonged moisture and dry them thoroughly immediately after any contact with water.
• To safeguard the deep color and finish, we recommend applying a little bit of beeswax to the horn surface from time to time.
• Please note that due to the nature of natural horn, minor hairline cracks may develop over time, which is a normal aging characteristic of this organic material.
• Safety Warning: Due to the small size of the dice (14 mm / 9/16 in), they pose a choking hazard. This product is not intended as a toy for small children! Always keep it out of their reach.

Recommended Accessories

We highly recommend pairing this set with an authentic historical leather pouch with a drawstring from our collection, matching the 9th to 14th centuries, to keep your dice safe on your journeys. Another great accessory is a natural drinking horn, which serves excellently in field camp conditions as a stylish cup for mixing and shaking your dice before a roll.