Collection: Celtic Carnyx

Ancient Carnyx: A Cool Revolutionary Horn

Long ago, the Celts made a very special hunting trumpet called a carnyx. This trumpet, shaped like an S, was made of bronze. People held it upright by its tall, blunt end, while the curved end stuck out to the side. They carved the end of the carnyx into the shape of boar heads or other animals with their mouths open.

During wars, the Celts used this instrument, the carnyx. They played it to cheer on their troops and scare their enemies. Because of the carnyx's height, warriors could easily hear its sound over the noise of battle or during competitions where songs and drums were playing.

Etymology

The word "carnyx" comes from "khanyax," which means “horn” or “antler.” This word also connects to Cernunnos, a Celtic god.

Archaeology

What the Carnyx Symbolized

The carnyx meant different things to the Celts. It wasn’t just a musical tool but also a symbol of power and strength. They used designs with animal heads, like boars and dragons, to show bravery and courage. As Celtic warriors admired these animals, they symbolized fierceness, especially in battles.

For example, one can see images of boars and dragons on the Witham Shield and other artifacts. These symbols aimed to rally warriors and scare their opponents. The loud and intense sound of the carnyx added to the feeling of power in battles and rituals.

In any case, the carnyx stood as an impressive symbol of the Celtic nation and their warrior forces!

Tintignac: A Major Find

Tintignac, a site in France, caught the attention of archaeologists in 2004 due to its important discoveries. They found a pit with over five hundred metal objects, including seven carnyxes. One of these trumpets was nearly whole, a remarkable find since only a few horn pieces had been known to exist.

The items found in Tintignac showed many animal images, including a boar’s head. These finds prove that the carnyx was linked to important activities, especially after Roman control in the area. Archaeologists can use discoveries from Tintignac to learn about the culture and values of the Celtic people—how they honored and remembered their past. This discovery greatly helps us understand the Celtic nation!

Deskford: The One of Its Kind Carnyx

The Deskford carnyx, a unique artifact from Scotland, was found in 1816 on a farm in Deskford. It is the only known carved carnyx in the British Isles. Today, only the part that looks like a boar's head remains, yet this piece holds great importance for understanding Celtic civilization.

It is possible that the Deskford carnyx was used during ceremonies as well as in battles. It shows that the Celts valued music and ceremony just as much as they valued fighting. This carnyx, made from recycled Roman metal, reflects the connection between Celtic and Roman cultures.

This carnyx now resides in the Museum of Scotland, helping to share the stories of the Celts and their unique customs. Its design and history make it a key piece for anyone interested in the past.

Hunt for the Old Carnyxes

In 2004, archaeologists found a pit in Tintignac, France, filled with many metal objects, including seven carnyxes! One of them was almost complete. Many areas in Scotland, France, and Germany have produced finds, but none are as significant. Most of the carnyxes had boar heads, while one was shaped like a snake. Researchers believe these items likely served in ceremonies soon after the Roman conquest of Gaul.

The Deskford carnyx stands as the only one reported from Britain. Archaeologists discovered it in Scotland in 1816. Only the boar's head part remains, serving not just a practical purpose in battles but also in ceremonies. Scholars date this carnyx to between 80-150 AD, made from Roman scrap.

The Carnyx and the Romans

Roman coins show that the Celts had a simple trumpet called a carnyx. This trumpet stood out from other Roman trumpets because it had a "monster head" at the end. The chilling sound made by the carnyx served a similar purpose as the loud trumpets used by the Romans.

Modern Discoveries

In 2021, archaeologists found a small bronze carnyx shaped like a boar in Suffolk. This find highlights how important the carnyx was to the Celts.

Stories About the Carnyx

The carnyx isn’t a new invention; it is older than written history. Accounts from around 279 BC describe the Celts using it when invading the area against enemies during Caesar's campaigns in Gaul. Historian Diodorus described it as a great, rough trumpet played by many during battles.

Bringing the Carnyx Back to Life

A team started recreating the Deskford carnyx in 1991. They played it for the first time in 2000 years in 1993! John Kenny became the first person to play this instrument, and since then, he has performed concerts around the world. The carnyx even appeared in one of his big concerts in Paris.

Objects from Tintignac

The heritage and location of the archaeological finds in Tintignac include over 500 items, with seven carnyxes among them. Of these carnyxes, one returned nearly intact, which is very unusual.

Many of these decorations showed animal heads, including boars and dragons. For the Celts, these animals represented bravery and courage. Historical sources, including al-Biruni’s writings, indicate that the carnyx stayed in use even after the Romans entered Gaul.

Thus, we learn about the materials, historical, and ceremonial activities of the Celts and how they remembered their culture and past!

The Carnyx in Movies and Games

Both the films Gladiator and Druids feature the carnyx. This instrument also appears in the animated film Brave and the computer game Civilization VI.

The carnyx serves as a fascinating piece of history, showing how music and sound were important to the Celts!

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