Viking Feast Genuine Horn Bowl – 15cm Handcrafted Ox Horn 400ml

Lord Of Battles Viking Feast Genuine Horn Bowl – 15cm Handcrafted Ox Horn

Appearance and Properties

This round bowl is skillfully handmade by talented artisans from a single piece of genuine ox horn, ensuring it is watertight. The surface is meticulously polished to a high sheen, enhancing the natural beauty, unique colours, and intricate patterns of the horn. As seen in the photograph, the bowl often features a dark, almost black, exterior rim that transitions into lighter, creamy, and brown hues with the characteristic cloudy marbling of horn on the interior. Each bowl, weighing approximately 116g, is truly one-of-a-kind; due to the natural material, no two pieces are exactly alike in colour, shade, or pattern. These variations are not imperfections but rather a testament to the bowl's authenticity and natural origin, with its slightly irregular shape further underscoring its handcrafted nature.

How You Can Use This Product

This versatile horn bowl is an excellent addition for any enthusiast of history or unique design:

• Historical Events & Reenactment: Perfect for serving period-appropriate dishes like stews, fruits, or nuts at Viking, medieval, or other historical gatherings and encampments throughout England and continental Europe. It adds a touch of authenticity to your feasting setup.
• LARP & Fantasy Settings: An indispensable prop for your character, whether you portray a fierce barbarian, a mystical wood elf, a sturdy dwarf, or any other persona in historical or fantasy worlds. Ideal for tavern feasts or campsite meals at UK LARP events and beyond.
• Themed Dinners & Celebrations: Impress your guests by serving snacks, dips, salads, or desserts in this uniquely crafted bowl.
• Decorative Piece: Its natural beauty makes it a striking decorative item for interiors with a rustic, historical, or natural aesthetic, perhaps for holding small trinkets.
• Everyday Use: For those who appreciate natural materials and distinctive design, this bowl can also be used for daily meals (bearing in mind the care instructions below).

Historical Context

The use of horn for tableware has a long and storied past, dating from prehistoric times through the Middle Ages and continuing in some cultures even longer. Horn, typically from cattle or oxen, was a readily available and versatile material. It was prized for its relative lightness, durability, and, when properly treated, its watertight properties. In the medieval period, horn was fashioned into not only bowls and drinking cups but also spoons, combs, buttons, and knife handles, serving as common household items across various social strata, with the quality of craftsmanship often varying.

An Interesting Fact from History: The Significance of Horn

In many ancient cultures, horn was more than just a practical material; it was often imbued with symbolic or even magical properties. Drinking horns, for instance, are famously associated with rituals, grand feasts, and were seen as symbols of abundance, strength, and celebration. While this is a bowl, it carries the legacy of this remarkable natural material that has accompanied humanity for millennia.

Care Instructions and Limitations

To ensure your Viking Feast Genuine Horn Bowl remains in optimal condition and serves you well for years to come:

• First Use: Before using for the first time, wash the bowl under lukewarm running water.
• Cleaning: After each use, hand wash your bowl with lukewarm water. A small amount of mild, non-abrasive soap can be used if necessary. Dry it thoroughly with a soft cloth immediately after washing.
• Not Dishwasher Safe: Never place your horn bowl in a dishwasher. The high temperatures and harsh detergents can cause irreparable damage, such as cracking or warping.
• Not Suitable For:
  • Hot Foods or Beverages: Do not use for very hot items like coffee, tea, or boiling soups, as extreme heat can deform or crack the horn.
  • Highly Acidic Foods: Prolonged contact with highly acidic foods may affect the surface.
  • Strong Alcohol: It is not recommended for beverages with an alcohol content exceeding 20%.
• Surface Maintenance: To prolong its life and maintain its natural sheen, you can occasionally (e.g., every few months or as needed) treat your bowl by lightly rubbing it with a food-safe vegetable oil (such as linseed or olive oil) or beeswax. Allow it to sit for a short while, then wipe off any excess with a clean, soft cloth.
• Storage: Store your horn bowl in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and sources of extreme heat.
• Natural Characteristics: Remember that horn is a natural material. It is perfectly normal for it to develop minor superficial cracks or changes in hue over time; these are not defects but rather part of its authentic character and natural aging process.

Invite warmth, authenticity, and a piece of history to your table with this exquisite Viking Feast Genuine Horn Bowl from Lord Of Battles®. It’s a celebration of craftsmanship where tradition meets functionality.