In the British Museum sits one of the most extraordinary objects of the medieval world — an Oliphant horn, carved from ivory from top to bottom with intricate interlaced animals, foliage, and figures. These great carved horns were prestige objects: gifts between kings, relics of the hunt, symbols of power and status. To own one was to announce yourself.
This is an exact replica of that carving — every panel, every motif, reproduced on ethically sourced ox horn. Not ivory. But the carving is faithful, and the horn is real.
This is the last one. Twenty were made. Nineteen have sold. No further horns will be produced.
I’ve searched and cannot find another replica of this horn — or any authentic 10th century blowing horn — available anywhere online. As far as I can tell, this is the only one.
Designed by Paul at Bushman Survival and crafted to his specification.
About the Oliphant
Oliphants — from the Old French for elephant — were great ivory hunting horns produced in southern Italy and Sicily between the 10th and 12th centuries, often by Arab craftsmen working under Norman patronage. They were among the most prized objects in medieval Europe, passed between rulers as diplomatic gifts and preserved in cathedral treasuries for centuries. The Oliphant in the British Museum is one of the finest surviving examples, its surface covered in carved hunting scenes and interlaced ornament of exceptional quality.
The most famous Oliphant in legend is the horn of Roland — the great paladin of Charlemagne who, at the Battle of Roncevaux Pass, refused to sound his horn for help until it was too late. When he finally blew it, the sound carried thirty leagues. Charlemagne heard it and wept.
Details
- Approximately 12–16" in length (natural variation)
- Ethically sourced ox horn — not ivory
- Intricately carved top to bottom — exact replica of the British Museum Oliphant carving
- Includes a free leather holder
- Every horn is unique in size, shape and colour
- One remaining — no further production
- Made in South Wales
How to Blow a War Horn
These are functional instruments and do require a technique — once you get it, the sound is extraordinary. I’ll be posting a YouTube tutorial shortly on how to get the best sound from yours.
Perfect For
- Serious collectors and display pieces
- Viking and medieval reenactment
- Heirlooms and centrepiece display
- Extraordinary gifts for history enthusiasts
Ethically sourced ox horn — every horn is unique. The carving is faithful to the original; the material is not ivory.
