Carnyx

Approx. Period: 750 AD
Length: 1.60m Width: 0.15m

Battles were either conducted as formal skirmishes between tribes or as raids to acquire goods and livestock. Preparations involved celebration and drinking and during battle war cry and noise were essential. The Carnyx war trumpet is well established, particularly the Deskford example, reconstructions of which have been played and recorded.

The Carnyx is a simple bronze trumpet with a mouthpiece and an extended bellmouth in the representation of an animal head. The noise of the instrument is designed to be load and piercing with the trumpet played over the heads of the warriors to increase the effect. The lower jaw of the animal is jointed and moved to create the effect of a live animal enemy.