What is the horn Georgians drink wine from called?
The kantsi and when it is used.
Short answer
The drinking horn in Georgia is called a kantsi; it is made of animal horn, and the richer ones are decorated with gold and silver. It is used mostly at weddings and other festive rituals, and when the wine reaches the table the tamada calls out "Kantsi!" and opens with a toast. It was once an essential accessory of the tamada.
Why
- A kantsi is made from the horn of an ibex, bull, buffalo, cow, wild goat or gazelle.
- The tamada leads the feast: in the first toast he praises God and then blesses the reason for the gathering.
- Richer horns are decorated with gold and silver, using niello or damask technique.
Details
If you don't drink, politely decline the horn toast in advance. Before taking a horn abroad, check your destination's rules on items made from animal horn.
Tip
If buying a horn as a gift, choose one with silver trim; it looks richer.
What may differ
Prices depend on the material and trim.
Common misconception
What actually happens
People also ask
- What is a Georgian drinking horn called?
Sources
This answer is for reference only. Check import limits against your destination country's rules.
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