This brass horn is called a “dà tóng jiǎo” (大铜角) which literally means “large brass instrument” in Mandarin Chinese. In ancient times they were made of wood, but as Chinese civilization progressed into metallurgy they were made of brass. These particular trumpets were used for military purposes after the Han period, from 202 to 220 C.E., concluded. Throughout Chinese history such horns have also been used for communication and musical enjoyment.