Blast from the Past at the Crannog
An Iron Age instrument returned ‘home’ last at the end of June as it found new resonance in an authentic setting at the Scottish Crannog Centre by Kenmore.
Visitors and residents alike were awed by the magic and power of the ancient carnyx, or Celtic warhorn, played by the internationally acclaimed trombone soloist, John Kenny.
The carnyx is a lip-reed instrument made of bronze, surmounted by a stylised wild boar’s head, complete with a hinged jaw and lolling wooden tongue. In the playing position, this head stands four metres high. It was designed to amplify sound, and the notes certainly carried across the still evening loch waters.
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Throughout the Iron Age, the carnyx was used as a call to arms to rally and inspire tribesmen against their enemies. The instrument has a pitch range of five octaves, used to advantage to instill fear and intimidation. The best known image of the carnyx in battle is depicted on a Celtic silver bowl found at Gundestrop in Denmark. Three warriors are shown marching with carnyxs hoisted high, and Roman sources recorded that as many as 30 horsemen at a time played the instrument going into battle.
The use of the carnyx was prevalent throughout Europe from about 300BC to 200AD, although recent archaeological discoveries in France of five nearly complete examples may indicate earlier use. Here in Scotland, a substantial fragment was found in Deskford, which ultimately inspired a joint project between music experts and the National Museums of Scotland to reconstruct the instrument. The unique performance at the Crannog was the first time the Iron Age instrument has been played at an Iron Age house.
John Kenny will return to the Crannog Centre next year to carry out sound trials to determine if the instrument could also have been used to communicate between the 18 crannogs in Loch Tay.
For information about forthcoming events at the Crannog tel. 01887 830583 or visit the website at www.crannog.co.uk
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