The carnyx was a wind instrument of the Iron Age Celts, used between c. 200 BC and c. AD 200. It was a type of bronze trumpet with an elongated S shape, held so that the long straight central portion was vertical and the short mouthpiece end section and the much wider bell were horizontal in opposed directions. The bell was styled in the shape of an open-mouthed boar's, or other animal's, head.
It was used in warfare, probably to incite troops to battle and intimidate opponents, as Polybius recounts. The instrument's significant height allowed it to be heard over the heads of the participants in battles or ceremonies.
This large pendant is based on a carnyx which was found in Aberdeenshire. please note the reverse is flat but I am hoping to create a fully 3d version soon!
Please note, you are buying a handmade piece of jewellery and we will not always have it in stock and I may require some time to make it!
If you want this in other materials such as gold please email me for a quote at caledonianforge@gmail.com We are always open to alter and change any of our pieces to suit your tastes. In the listing the piece might look darker than the finished piece. We artificially darken our silver pieces with liver of sulfur so that the details will show up in photographs but as standard the finished piece will be shiny and polished. If you'd prefer us to darken it then please let us know and we will happily do this for you.
This has been carved by myself from wax, sand cast in my home workshop and finished with a mixture of power tools and traditional hand tools like files and saws. Available with a free choice of waxed cotton or leather cord. We also have a seperate listing with silver chains here if you desire: https://caledonianforge.com/products/sterling-silver-chain?utm_source=copyToPasteBoard&utm_medium=product-links&utm_content=web
All our packaging is 100% paper. No plastic at all.
Due to the weight of this piece in any solid (not plated) precious metal by law it must be hallmarked. This will take roughly an additional 2-4 weeks. we normally use large hallmarks that stand out, always on the reverse of one sided pendants, the side of double sided pendants or the inside of rings or bracelets. If you would like them to be more subtle please let us know