I think they may be "cupping horns." The practice of "cupping" supposedly reduced pain and improved circulation. It was pretty widespread in times past, and I think it may be enjoying a resurgence of interest. The larger, open end of the horn is applied to the bare skin, usually of one's back. A vacuum is created within the horn to create a suction. This may result in induration or even bruising, but it was (is) supposed to be beneficial.
"Cups" are now often made of glass. I understand they can be heated, applied to the skin, and rapidly cooled to create the vacuum. However, I have read that folk healers using horns like these would put a little wad of something gooey in their mouth, something like strands of sinew chewed and formed into a little ball. They would then put their lips to the small end of the horn and suck on it to create the vacuum, then manipulate the wad of sinew or whatever with the tongue into the small hole in the end of the horn to plug it. I think the horns or cups are left on until the vacuum decreases and they fall off.
Sound wierd? You bet! However, I saw a bison horn tip that was formed just like these pictured in a book published by the Buffalo Bill Historical Center some time back. It was identified as a cupping horn used by some unidentified Native American healer. I didn't know what a cupping horn was, so I looked it up. You can do the same. Google "cupping horn" and take a gander at some of the images.
I think I'll stick with Ibuprofen.
Notchy Bob
