British Boer War POW Camp Horn Cup Souviner

The British Boer War POW Camp Horn Cup Souvenir is a historical artifact originating from the period of the Second Boer War (1899–1902). These cups were typically handmade by British or Boer prisoners of war held in camps throughout South Africa and other locations such as Ceylon, St. Helena, and Bermuda. The horn cups were crafted from locally-sourced animal horn and often served both as practical items and as mementos commemorating the camp experience. This example features the characteristic polished horn surface, sometimes with engraved or inscribed details indicating the camp, date, or initials of the prisoner. Such items provide insight into the daily life and conditions within the POW camps and highlight the prisoners’ resourcefulness and desire for personal keepsakes under confinement. The cup is a tangible representation of military and social history from the early 20th century, reflecting the broader context of conflict, captivity, and remembrance during the Boer War.