Grease horn

• Prerow, cow horn, carved, end of the 19th century; length: 13 cm

The horn is filled with beef tallow (grease) to hold the needles used by sail makers and to protect them from rust. Grease horns were essential equipment for sail makers and sailors working on ships. The mariners whiled away their leisure time producing the decorative carving and the monogram, adding a personal touch to these utensils.