Powder Horn c. 1775

This anonymous, 18th-century powder horn, crafted from an animal horn, is a prime example of utilitarian American folk art. The horn, carved and decorated, was used to carry gunpowder, an essential component for firearms during the American Revolutionary War. Its design and inscription likely reflect personal symbolism and the maker's individual artistic expression. This everyday object, now housed at the Art Institute of Chicago, serves as a tangible reminder of a pivotal moment in American history.