Powderhorns — commonly used to carry an individual hunter's or soldier's gunpowder supply during the muzzle-loading era — are flasks or containers made from the hollowed-out horn of a cow (horn or antler from oxen, bison, water buffalo, elk, and other horned animals also were  used). Powderhorns are lightweight, waterproof, and spark-free.

How I Make Powderhorns

I use traditional methods to make powderhorns. The original American powderhorns were made in all shapes, sizes, and levels of ornamentation. They were plain, carved, peeled, scrimshawed, dyed, painted, inlaid, etc. Many were made professionally; others were made or decorated by the user.

Horns were heated to soften them, then wooden plugs were forced into the butt and pinned to create a watertight cap. A leather or cloth sling was attached to carry the horn over the shoulder.

Flattened horns take a bit more work. The horn is boiled gently for an hour or two, which softens it up. The heated horn is forced carefully over a shaped flat wood form while the horn is clamped between boards and squeezed flat for a day or so. A tapered plug is then formed and fitted into the end of the horn. This often requires re-softening the horn’s base to accept the formed plug. Final shaping is done and the finished plug is fitted, glued, and pegged.

I buy many of my horns from Powderhorns and More, Inc., where I was featured artist of the month in November 2007.