Buccina

“A kind of horn trumpet, anciently made out of a shell, the form of which is exhibited in the two specimens annexed. In the former it is curved for the convenience of the performer with a very wide mouth, to diffuse and increase the sound. In the next, it still retains the original form of the shell. The buccina was distinct from the cornu; but it is often confounded with it. The buccina seems to have been chiefly distinguished by the twisted form of a shell from which it is originally made. In later times it was carved from horn, and perhaps from wood or metal, so as to imitate the shell. The buccina was chiefly used to proclaim the watches of the day and of the night, hence called buccina prima, secunda. It was also blown at funerals, and at festive entertainments both before sitting down to table and after.” — Smith, 1873

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