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A horn is a hollow, pointed projection of the Skin of various Animal s., consisting mainly of Keratin as well as other Protein s. True horns are found only among the Ruminant Artiodactyl s, in the families Antilocapridae ( Pronghorn ) and Bovidae ( Cow s, Buffalo es, Yak s, Goats , Antelope etc.). Those animals have one or two pairs of horns, which usually have a Spiral shape. The term is popularly applied also to any hard and pointed elements attached to the head of animals in various other families:
Many animal species in various families have Tusk s, which often serve the same functions as true horns, but are in fact oversize teeth. These include the Moschidae (Musk deer, which are ruminants), Suidae ( Wild Boar s), Proboscidea ( Elephant s), Monodontidae ( Narwhal s) and Odobenidae ( Walrus es). USES OF HORN Some peoples use bovid horns as Musical Instrument s, for example the Shofar . These have evolved into Brass Instrument s in which, unlike the Trumpet , the bore gradually increases in width through most of its length — that is to say, it is Conical rather than Cylindrical . These are called Horn s, though made of Metal . Drinking Horn s are bovid horns cleaned and polished and used as Drinking Vessel s. Powder Horn s were originally bovid horns fitted with lids and carrying straps, used to carry Gunpowder . Powder flasks of any material may be referred to as powder horns. Horn can also refer to Keratin , the material of which a horn is made. This is most common when a horn is used as a material in tools, furniture, decoration, and other uses. In these applications, horn is valued for its hardness, and has given rise to the expression ''hard as horn.'' "Horn" Button s are usually made from deer antlers, not true horn. SEE ALSO
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