Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
2023.032.003 |
Object Name |
Horn |
Description |
This piece of animal horn is referred to as a "cupping horn" in Appalachian folk medicine terms. The horn was likely sourced from a cow. This cupping horn features holes on both ends that have been smoothed over. There is a small piece of cotton or wool wadding nestled inside of the cupping horn. This cupping horn was used by the donor's great grandmother, who was a healer and midwife in the Ripshin Mountain community from 1902-1937. If an infant developed hives, the midwife would make a small incision in the mother's chest and collect several drops of blood in the horn. The blood was mixed with expressed breast milk and then fed to the infant from this cupping horn in order to cure hives. A description of this practice can be found in the "Hives" section of Anthony Cavender's book "Folk Medicine in Southern Appalachia" (2003). |
Date |
c. early 20th century |
Dimensions |
H-2 W-1 inches |
Place of Origin |
USA/Tennessee/Carter County/Ripshin Mountain |
Material |
animal horn |
Other Name |
Cupping Horn |