🍷 Drinking horn (kantsi)

The wine horn, in Georgian kantsi, is a horn for drinking wine. In Georgia it is raised at large feasts called supra. It is made from an animal's horn, often rimmed with metal and decorated. It cannot stand on the table, so it has to be drained or passed on.

A Georgian feast is built around toasts. It is led by the tamada, who proposes toasts and keeps order. The horn is used for the most important toasts, for example to the homeland, friendship and memory. It is raised solemnly, as a sign of respect. One need not drain the horn, especially people who do not drink alcohol: juice or water can be taken instead of wine. What matters is taking part in the ritual.

The horn is tied to wine and the Georgian supra. The rhyton, an ancient drinking vessel shaped like a horn, has a similar form. Today horns are sold as souvenirs. The custom shows how important wine is in Georgian culture. Drink in moderation and know your limit.