This copper alloy drinking horn mount, dating back to the 7th to 8th centuries and originating from Celtic culture in Ireland, was found in Lismore, Waterford, Republic of Ireland, British Isles.
The mount is shaped like the head of a bird-like creature, featuring a long "beak." The rim of the mount tapers both inside and out and is adorned with a striped collar and a pair of grooves. Two rivet holes are present on the rim.
The rastrum, or the elongated part of the mount, supports a round head with a large beveled snout. This snout is open in the middle and terminates with a spiral scroll knob. The jaws of this "bird" resemble those of a toucan and were originally connected by teeth running along their entire length. The eyes of this creature are stylized to resemble human eyes.
Two running spirals decorate each of the rounded cheeks, and there are fine, tapered piercing marks that run around the cheeks from the top to the bottom of the "beak" and along the top and bottom of the "beak" itself. The mount does not show any traces of gilding on its worn surface.