Engraved Viking Star Drinking Horn, 350-400 ml - Outlet

Engraved Viking Star Drinking Horn, 350-400 ml

A Drinking Horn from the Age of Vikings

This natural drinking horn, made from genuine and ethically sourced bovine horn, is a true piece of art. Its surface is carefully polished to a smooth finish, highlighting the natural grain and colour variations of the material. Each piece is an original, with shades that can range from light cream and honey gold to deep brown.

Detailed Description of the Engraved Horn

The dominant decorative feature is a precisely engraved six-pointed star, which can symbolize protection or balance. This central motif is set against a background of dense, regular cross-hatching that gives the horn texture and depth. Below the main design, the horn is adorned with several parallel, simply engraved lines that elegantly wrap around its circumference, completing the overall robust yet sophisticated design.

History and Use of Drinking Horns

Drinking horns were not exclusive to the Vikings. They were used across cultures and centuries, from the ancient Thracians and Celts to the Germanic tribes of the Migration Period. They were not just drinking vessels but often a symbol of status, wealth, and power. They were used in celebratory feasts, religious ceremonies (like the Norse sumbel), and for sealing oaths. They were valuable possessions, passed down from one generation to the next.

A Fascinating Historical Fact

One of the most famous depictions of drinking horns in use comes from the Bayeux Tapestry. This renowned 11th-century embroidery depicts a feast where figures are holding and drinking from horns, proving their importance even in the High Middle Ages.

How to Care for Your Drinking Horn

To ensure your new horn serves you for as long as possible and in the best condition, please give it a little care. It is a natural material that deserves proper treatment.

• Inner Surface: The horn is sealed on the inside with a resin lacquer that is certified food-safe. This protects the material and prevents leaks.
• Suitable Drinks: Use the horn for cold or lukewarm beverages such as water, beer, wine, or mead. It is suitable for liquids with an alcohol content of up to 20%.
• What to Avoid: Never pour hot drinks (coffee, tea, mulled wine) into the horn! The high temperature could damage both the lacquer and the horn itself. Also, avoid stronger spirits and carbonated drinks, which can affect the inner lining.
• Washing: Wash the horn by hand only using lukewarm water and a little mild dish soap. Do not use steel wool or abrasive cleaners. Under no circumstances should you put it in a dishwasher!
• Maintenance: Dry the horn thoroughly after washing. To extend its life and refresh its appearance, you can occasionally rub the outside with beeswax or a natural oil (e.g., linseed oil).

Please Note: Each horn is a unique natural product. Therefore, expect variations in shape, colour, and minor surface details compared to the product photo. This is what makes it your personal and one-of-a-kind piece.