The Carnyx: War Trumpet of the Celts
The carnyx is an effigy trumpet used by the ancient Celts from 300 BC- 300 AD all over Europe. The root of the word carnyx is the (Gallic/Brytonic) Celtic “karn-”, or horn (like the antlered god Cernunnos). The bell of the carnyx often depicts a wild boar or serpent. Constructed of bronze & occasionally brass, the carnyx rose 5-6 feet over the player, carrying the sound over the battlefield, signaling movements and intimidating enemies. Carnyx can make sounds similar to bugles, trombones, didgeridoo, and an assortment of harmonics.
To conquering Romans, the carnyx was the ultimate symbol of Celticness, so they became a popular war trophies, and are depicted on coins and monumental art celebrating Roman victories. Diodorus Siculus wrote, "Their trumpets again are of a peculiar barbarian kind; they blow into them and produce a harsh sound which suits the tumult of war" (60-30 BCE, Histories 5.30). Carnyx were employed in battles including Mons Graupius (Scotland), Boudicca’s rebellion (Camulodunum, Londinium, Watling Street-Briton), Siege of Alesia (France), Bibracte (France), Gergovia (France), attack on Delphi (Greece) in 279 BC.
The Gundestrup cauldron depicts multiple carnyx employed in a ritual context for a shamanic Druid ceremony. Caches of ritually
“killed” carnyx have been found buried at sacred Celtic sites, likely indicating a sacrificial gift to appease the gods.
Carnyx seem to have been widespread throughout the Celtic world. They have been excavated, depicted, or written-about to the very edges of the Celtic world. *(See map below)
To conquering Romans, the carnyx was the ultimate symbol of Celticness, so they became a popular war trophies, and are depicted on coins and monumental art celebrating Roman victories. Diodorus Siculus wrote, "Their trumpets again are of a peculiar barbarian kind; they blow into them and produce a harsh sound which suits the tumult of war" (60-30 BCE, Histories 5.30). Carnyx were employed in battles including Mons Graupius (Scotland), Boudicca’s rebellion (Camulodunum, Londinium, Watling Street-Briton), Siege of Alesia (France), Bibracte (France), Gergovia (France), attack on Delphi (Greece) in 279 BC.
The Gundestrup cauldron depicts multiple carnyx employed in a ritual context for a shamanic Druid ceremony. Caches of ritually
“killed” carnyx have been found buried at sacred Celtic sites, likely indicating a sacrificial gift to appease the gods.
Carnyx seem to have been widespread throughout the Celtic world. They have been excavated, depicted, or written-about to the very edges of the Celtic world. *(See map below)
Map of Carnyx Finds: Archaeology, Writings, & Depictions in Art
Replica of the Pictish "Deskford carnyx" from Scotland (which dates 100-200 AD, concurrent with Hadrian's Wall).
Above: a woad-grinder to make the body paint (cosmestics mortar and pestle)
CARNYX LINKS
Wikipedia
Carnyx & Co. (Reconstruction & Playing Technique of the Deskford Carnyx)
The Carnyx in Asterix the Gaul
Kelticos: Archaeological & Historical Evidence of the Carnyx
"Carnyx" Celtic Reenactment Group
Carnyx & Co. (Reconstruction & Playing Technique of the Deskford Carnyx)
The Carnyx in Asterix the Gaul
Kelticos: Archaeological & Historical Evidence of the Carnyx
"Carnyx" Celtic Reenactment Group