The Anointment Horn
The tradition of anointing the king originated in the Middle East. Based on Old Testament writings, the ceremony symbolised that the king was God’s chosen representative on earth.
Historically, consecrated oil was applied to the temples, forehead, breast and wrists of the sovereign to be crowned. This ceremony was viewed as the most important part of the coronation as it conferred the power of the Holy Spirit on the monarch, who was to bear the burden as the nation’s king.
The Norwegian Anointment Horn was made by Adolf Zethelius in Stockholm in 1818. It was last used during the coronation of King Haakon VII and Queen Maud in 1906.
Design
Made of gilt silver, the Anointment Horn is fashioned in the Empire style with a simple design and refined, sparse ornamentation. The handle of the horn’s lid is shaped like an acorn, and a small royal crown decorates the tip.
Height: 12.5 cm
Weight: 164 g
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