Drinking Horns

How Are Our Drinking Horns Better Than The Rest?

Our craftsmen use their accumulated experience to produce only the best drinking horns. Where many other, cheaper alternatives have sharp edges, poor shape and use thin horn, we carefully select our horns and only use those that will make quality drinking horns.

We ensure that our horns are strong and sturdy, then expertly finish them in either rough or polished styles. Abbeyhorn drinking horns also feature rounded mouthpieces so that the horns are not sharp against the lips when drinking, unlike those from other makers who often leave the rims as a straight cut.

 

What Is a Drinking Horn?

A drinking horn is a drinking vessel traditionally made from an animal horn, with a history stretching back thousands of years. Strongly associated today with Vikings and Norse culture, drinking horns have become popular with people interested in history, re-enactment and traditional craftsmanship, as well as anyone looking for an unusual way to enjoy a favourite drink.

Abbeyhorn drinking horns are made from genuine natural horn at our factory in Lancashire, England. Each horn retains its own natural shape, colour and markings, meaning that no two drinking horns are exactly alike.

From polished drinking horns for celebrations and gifts to rough and more naturally finished horns, the individuality of the material is a large part of their appeal.

 

Did Vikings Really Drink From Horns?

The image of a Viking raising a drinking horn is familiar from films, books and popular culture, but in this case there is genuine history behind the association.

Archaeological finds show that drinking horns were used during the Viking period, with surviving fittings and fragments providing evidence of decorated drinking horns. They were not exclusive to the Vikings, however. Drinking horns have a much longer and broader history and were used by different peoples and cultures over many centuries.

Around this genuine history has grown a rich mixture of Norse tradition, legend and folklore. Modern Viking culture has helped make the drinking horn an instantly recognisable symbol of the period, even though not every story or custom associated with Viking drinking horns can be treated as historical fact.

For today's owner, that combination of real history and enduring folklore is often part of the attraction.

 

Genuine Horn – Naturally Individual

One of the most distinctive things about a real drinking horn is that nature has already determined much of its appearance before a craftsman begins work.

Natural horn varies considerably in shape, size, colour and pattern. Some pieces can be lighter and translucent, while others display rich darker shades and contrasting natural markings.

At our factory in Lancashire, England, Abbeyhorn's trained craftsmen work with these natural characteristics rather than trying to make every horn look identical. The result is a drinking vessel with its own individual shape and appearance.

This means the drinking horn you receive will not be an exact duplicate of every photograph or another person's horn. These natural variations are part of the character and appeal of genuine horn.

 

Polished, Rough or Raw Horn?

Abbeyhorn offers drinking horns in a range of different finishes and sizes, so the right choice depends partly on the appearance you prefer and how you intend to use or display it.

Polished Drinking Horns

A polished drinking horn brings out the colours, patterns and natural depth of the horn. Its smooth surface creates a more refined appearance whilst still allowing the individual characteristics of the material to show through.

Polished horns are a good choice for anyone who particularly appreciates the natural beauty of genuine horn or is looking for a distinctive gift.

Rough Drinking Horns

A rough drinking horn retains more of the horn's natural exterior and has a more rustic appearance.

The texture and natural character make rough horns particularly appealing for historical displays, themed occasions and those who prefer a drinking horn with a less polished look.

Raw Horn

Abbeyhorn also offers raw horn in a variety of sizes. Raw horn is intended for those looking for horn in a less finished form rather than a fully prepared drinking vessel.

If you intend to drink from a horn, choose a product specifically sold as a drinking horn rather than assuming that an unfinished raw horn is suitable for drinking.

 

Choosing a Drinking Horn

There is no single ideal drinking horn. Much depends on whether you want one to drink from, give as a gift, use for re-enactment or simply display.

Size is an obvious consideration. Abbeyhorn's range includes drinking horns of different dimensions, and as genuine horn is a natural material there will also be variations in shape and appearance.

You may also want to consider how you will hold or display your horn. Unlike a conventional glass or tankard, the curved and pointed shape of a traditional drinking horn means it cannot simply be placed upright on a flat surface.

Abbeyhorn offers drinking horns with stands for this reason, as well as leather holsters that provide another traditional way of carrying a horn.

For something particularly distinctive, the range also includes a pewter-mounted Viking drinking horn combining genuine horn with decorative metalwork.

 

What Can You Drink From a Drinking Horn?

Drinking horns are popularly associated with mead and ale, reflecting their historical and Viking connections, but a drinking horn can be enjoyed with a variety of suitable drinks.

Before using any horn as a drinking vessel, follow the care and usage instructions supplied with the particular product. Natural horn is different from glass, ceramic or stainless steel and should be treated accordingly.

Very hot liquids should be avoided, as excessive heat can affect natural horn.

 

Drinking Horns for Viking and Norse Enthusiasts

A genuine horn drinking vessel makes an unusual gift for someone interested in Viking history, Norse culture, historical re-enactment or traditional crafts.

Unlike a moulded imitation designed simply to resemble horn, genuine natural horn has variations that cannot be reproduced identically. Its shape, colouring and markings come from the original material and are revealed through the work of the craftsman.

Abbeyhorn's drinking horns are worked at our factory in Lancashire, England, by trained craftsmen experienced in working with genuine horn.

Whether used at a celebration, taken to a re-enactment event or kept as a display piece, a real horn provides a tangible connection to a material that people have fashioned into drinking vessels for centuries.

 

Caring for Your Drinking Horn

Natural horn needs slightly different care from an ordinary glass or mug.

After use, clean your drinking horn according to the care instructions provided with it and avoid prolonged soaking. Horn should not be exposed to excessive heat, so it should not be filled with very hot liquids or cleaned in a dishwasher.

Allow the horn to dry properly before storing it and keep it away from strong sources of heat.

With appropriate care, a genuine horn drinking vessel can retain its distinctive appearance and character for many years.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a drinking horn?

A drinking horn is a vessel traditionally made from an animal horn and used for drinking. Genuine horn gives each vessel its own natural shape, colouring and markings.

Did Vikings really use drinking horns?

Yes. Archaeological evidence confirms that drinking horns were used during the Viking period. However, drinking horns existed both before and beyond the Viking world, so they were not exclusively Viking objects.

Is a Viking drinking horn the same as a drinking horn?

A Viking drinking horn generally refers to a drinking horn associated with Viking or Norse history and culture. Modern products described as Viking drinking horns vary considerably, so those seeking a traditional example may prefer one made from genuine natural horn.

Are Abbeyhorn drinking horns made from real horn?

Yes. Abbeyhorn drinking horns are made using genuine natural horn and are worked by trained craftsmen at our factory in Lancashire, England.

Are all drinking horns the same shape and colour?

No. Natural horn varies in shape, size, colour and markings. These differences mean that every genuine horn has its own individual appearance.

What is the difference between a polished and rough drinking horn?

A polished drinking horn has a smooth, finished surface that highlights the colours and patterns within the horn. A rough horn retains more of its natural exterior, creating a more rustic appearance.

Can I stand a drinking horn on a table?

The traditional pointed and curved shape means most drinking horns cannot stand upright on their own. Drinking horn stands are available for horns intended to be placed on a table or displayed.

What did Vikings drink from horns?

Historical drinking horns are associated with feasting and drinks including mead and wine. Popular culture strongly associates Viking drinking horns with mead, although drinking customs varied by time and place.

Can I put hot drinks in a drinking horn?

Very hot drinks should be avoided. Excessive heat can affect natural horn, so a drinking horn should not be treated like a ceramic mug.

Can drinking horns go in the dishwasher?

No. Genuine natural horn should not be cleaned in a dishwasher or exposed to excessive heat. Follow the care instructions supplied with your drinking horn.

Do drinking horns make good gifts?

Yes. A genuine drinking horn can make a distinctive gift for someone interested in Viking or Norse history, re-enactment, traditional craftsmanship or unusual natural products.