carnix

Noun

carnyx (plural carnyces or carnyxes)

1. (historical) A bronze wind instrument used by Iron Age Celts (c. 200 B.C.E. – 200 C.E.) as a type of battle trumpet; held vertically when played, it was shaped like an elongated S with a mouthpiece at the lower end and a bell (often resembling an animal with an open mouth) at the upper end.
   • A number of Greek and Roman writers described warrior tribes in Britain, Gaul and elsewhere sounding carnyces to terrify their enemies. […] The newly discovered carnyx shows signs of repair, said Hinman, indicating it was in use over a long period.2026 January 7, Esther Addley, “‘Extraordinary’ iron age war trumpet find in Britain may have Boudicca links”, in The Guardian, →ISSN, archived from the original on 07 Jan 2026