Inlaid Powder Horn

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 464

A powder horn, which typically was made of cow or buffalo horn, refers to any personal container that was used for gunpowder. This flask is made of wood, but shaped to resemble a nautilus shell. The floral decoration that makes up the body is inlaid with horn, mother of pearl, and ivory. The two silver hooks would have attached to a strap worn over the shoulder, allowing the user to easily access the gunpowder by lifting the lid off the top.

Inlaid Powder Horn, Wood overlaid with horn, mother-of-pearl, and ivory; silver

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Inlaid Powder Horn, Wood overlaid with horn, mother-of-pearl, and ivory; silver
Inlaid Powder Horn, Wood overlaid with horn, mother-of-pearl, and ivory; silver
Inlaid Powder Horn, Wood overlaid with horn, mother-of-pearl, and ivory; silver

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