Horn Beaker

Datec. 1880s

DimensionsOverall: 11.4 cm

Credit LineGift of Mr. George Bycraft, London, Ontario, 1963

Object number1963.003.164

Label TextJohn Edward Bycraft brought this horn cup with him when he emigrated from England in 1882. Although a stone mason, Bycraft came to Canada to take up farming. There was little work for him at home. As well, his family felt he was better suited to farming. Bycraft learned to farm during a five-year apprenticeship. After his marriage to Mary Eliza Zavitz, he operated, and later owned, his father-in-law’s farm. Horn has been characterized as the plastic of the 18th century. It could be carved and shaped into many different forms including cups, spoons, combs, powder flasks, and more. The job of turning horn into a household item was performed by a horner. This person would typically work near to slaughterhouses or other locations where quantities of horn would be easily available. Horn is relatively easy to cut. It can be bent when heated. And it can be carved and decorated. Each piece is unique because no horn is the same as another.

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