Powder horn was a container for carrying the gunpowder used in muzzleloading firearms. People usually used cattle horns for powder horns. The hollow horn was cut at both ends and then scraped on the inside. Caps made of metal or wood were attached to the ends to hold the powder in. To load a gun, the cap on the small end of the horn was removed, and the powder was poured into a measure for the correct charge. Powder horns were often decorated and were usually worn slung over the shoulder.
