The Art of Buffalo Horn Products

The water buffalo is a creature intimately linked to the history and culture of human civilization. Bred and domesticated across Asia for centuries, they have long been employed as domestic farm animals— plowing fields, pulling heavy loads, and serving as a means of transportation. They provide a nourishing source of meat and dairy in cuisines around the world, and their horns are often used for the making of household items, jewelry, and art. As a sign of respect to the water buffalo, no part of the body is wasted.

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The art of handmade buffalo horn goods forms an important part of Asia’s cultural heritage. As a natural byproduct of the food and agriculture industry, the horns are ethically sourced and undergo an environmentally sustainable and organic treatment process that uses only heat and oil to soften the material for crafting. The artisan then cuts, grinds, and water-polishes the horn into the desired shape and lucency. Bands of color ranging from milk, cream, and caramel to darker shades like bistre, charcoal, and black form patterns on the smooth surface. It is this last step — the polishing — which brings out the beauty of each horn’s textures and hues. Each finished item is a unique.