Powder Flask. Engraved Horn, Rope, Stopper. Spain, 19th Century.

Powder flask. Engraved horn, rope, stopper. Spain, 19th century.
Container for storing gunpowder, made from a cow's horn and decorated on the outside with a series of figurative, geometric and vegetal engravings and inscriptions, highlighted with dark or black ink or dye. The decoration is arranged in horizontal bands, with some elements highlighted with "frames" of crossed lines, and we can clearly see Latin crosses, floral elements, a coiled snake, various human figures (note in particular the male figures at the top, with firearms), quadrupeds, birds, fish and inscriptions in capital letters (names like Manuel, intertwined initials...). Also known as "horns", these types of containers were not usually made by skilled and specialized workers, but by shepherds, ranchers, etc., who used in their decoration their own name, important elements of their region or for themselves, or even motifs of great tradition in a certain region. Compare this work with that of Pedro Doncel, dated 1855 and preserved in the Olivenza Museum (Spain), or with that of 1883 preserved in the Museo del Traje in Madrid (Spain). -
Size: 27x8x7 cm