Szövetkürtök

Szövetkürtök, a Hungarian term, translates to "tissue horns" in English. This refers to a historical type of musical instrument, specifically a type of horn constructed from animal horn. These instruments were commonly found in rural and folk music traditions across various cultures, including in Hungary.

The construction of a szövetkürt typically involved selecting a suitable animal horn, such as one from a cow or ram. The tip of the horn would be cut off to create an opening, and the natural shape of the horn served as the resonant body. A mouthpiece, often a separate piece made of wood or bone, or sometimes integrated into the horn itself, would be attached to the narrower end. Sound was produced by the player buzzing their lips into the mouthpiece, similar to other brass instruments.

Szövetkürtök were primarily used for signaling, such as herding livestock or marking events. In some folk music contexts, they provided a loud, distinctive tone for ensemble playing, often accompanying traditional dances or celebrations. Their sound is characterized by its raw, resonant quality, differing significantly from the more refined tones of modern brass instruments. While less common today, examples of szövetkürtök can still be found in ethnographic collections and are sometimes revived for historical reenactments or folk music performances.