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The Carnyx in Iron Age Europe

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 April 2011

Fraser Hunter
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Abstract

This paper reviews the evidence for the carnyx, the Iron Age animal-headed horn, in its European setting. The starting point is the head from Deskford, north-east Scotland: the results of recent work are described and a revised dating proposed. Excavations at the findspot strongly indicate it was a votive deposit. The nature of the wider European evidence and its biases are reviewed, to provide a firmer basis for commenting on the date and distribution of the instrument. Finally, attempts to reconstruct the carnyx are described.

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Research Article
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The Antiquaries Journal , Volume 81 , September 2001, pp. 77 - 108
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Copyright © The Society of Antiquaries of London 2001

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