Like many early horns, this example consists of a conical crescent-shaped tube (64 cm long in this case) with a primitive mouthpiece. A hexagonal shape was more common in the 16th century, among other things on hunting horns. Yet it is unlikely that this was a hunting horn: there are no traces of an attachment for a rope or carrying strap, which is crucial during a hunt. This instrument is therefore more likely to be a rare town crier's horn. Similar horns were also used by street vendors.
River find
This brass horn is difficult to date, but may have been made in the 16th century. Only a few examples of this type of instrument have survived. The example in Antwerp, which is in relatively good condition, is an important and rare witness to the tradition of town criers. The horn was sold to the city museums in 1929, along with various other objects and weapons unearthed from the Scheldt, Rupel and Dender rivers.
Flemish masterpiece
The street horn is one of our masterpieces and is on the Flemish Masterpiece List.
