Rerplica of a drinking horn

This is a replica based on the discovery of the remains of a drinking horn in the richest grave at Veien, also known as the "King's Mound." Dating back to the transition between the Roman period and the Migration period, around 400 CE, this male grave is a significant archaeological find. The drinking horn represents one of two found within the burial grounds, with the other grave also categorized as "rich." These drinking horns likely signify a prominent leadership role within the society of that time.

While no Scandinavian written records exist from this era, insights into the customs and practices of ethnic groups can be found in Roman sources. Julius Caesar, for instance, documented that the Germanic peoples adorned bull horn openings with fittings, using them for ceremonial drinking during special occasions. 

Drinking ceremonies were undoubtedly integral to feasts of the time. Intoxicating beverages like beer or mead held a profound significance in rituals and served to strengthen social bonds. The presence of drinking horns in the King's Mound suggests lavish celebrations at Veien, where the elite could host numerous guests from both nearby and distant regions in the grandeur of the longhouse.