Images(2)

Louisbourg powder horn

Date1758-1760

OriginAmerica

MediumHorn, wood and ink

DimensionsOL: 11"; OW: 3"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number2011-5

DescriptionEngraved powder horn with reduced dark horn spout, embellished with two central reinforcing rings and a raised lip to the tip. Body of lighter, cream colored horn with a pierced tab projecting past the base plug for suspension. The transition point between the body of the horn and the spout is scalloped, and the engraving is inked in black and reddish brown. Its softwood base plug appears to be pressure fitted, as there are no visible pegs or nails keeping in place.
Label TextBy the second quarter of the 18th century, the engraving of gunpowder horns had evolved as a unique art form in colonial America. When European-style large scale warfare came to the continent during the French & Indian War, the engraving of military related themes on these horns became extremely popular with the American and British forces fighting in the conflict.

Cow horn was a byproduct of the beef eaten by these armies, and was easily adapted into a reliable, waterproof container for gunpowder. In addition to being functional, the smooth exterior surfaces were a perfect platform for decoration, and were easily engraved. While some horns were simply and crudely adorned with crude, scratched-in designs by their owners, others were engraved by semi-professional scrimsanders serving alongside the soldiers.

The name of this horn's engraver is unknown, but his hand is recognized by the distinctive way he rendered trees, and he is known simply as the "Pointed Tree" carver. Created for a veteran of the successful 1758 siege of Louisbourg, Nova Scotia, this horn has two basic elements and is a wonderful example of the art form.

The bottom portion is well engraved with the British Royal Arms in large format, along with houses, trees and forts. A hunter, complete with a dog, fires his gun at a stag looking back at him. Above, a British or American Light Infantryman fires his musket at a pair of fleeing Indians, one of whom carries a tomahawk and musket, while the other carries a bow and arrow. Below the Royal Arms is an empty cartouche, perhaps intended for the owner's name or initials.

An illustrated map of Louisbourg, complete with Men-o-War firing their cannon, fills the top section of the horn. Labeled landmarks include the town and harbor of Louisbourg, the English Battery, the East Battery, the French Battery, and the Lighthouse and Island Batteries.
InscribedThe various landmarks of the 1758 Siege of Louisbourg are labeled along with their depictions.
MarkingsAn ownership mark of "G V V" is incised into the wooden base plug.
ProvenanceFormerly in the Jim Dresslar collection, and published on pp. 22-23 of his book "Folk Art of Early America, The Engraved Powder Horn."