Powder horns Museum of Design in Plastics

Horns were ideal containers for gunpowder, not only for soldiers, but also for miners and quarrymen, being inflammable, waterproof, and easy to fill at the wide end and empty at the tip. They are also light to carry and their curve fits comfortably against the body. But a powder horn was more than a tool: it evolved into a vehicle for expression. Those shown exemplify three types of powder horn: plain, engraved, and decorated with silver mounts. They also demonstrate a range in size and colour.

Jane Osmond Royal College of Art

Military Power Horns in the Concord Museum Collection by David F. Wood

Smarthistory – Northern Northwest Coast Art

Exploring Engraved Powder Horns - Historic Deerfield

MoDiP – AUB – Arts University Bournemouth

Gunpowder Flasks at Hagley

Collections Museum of Design in Plastics

Small oblong buffalo horn box

Military Power Horns in the Concord Museum Collection by David F. Wood

Past Exhibitions - ICA Boston