Split horn

A split horn (or splice horn ) was a cow horn used as a vessel to carry sebum . The split horn was worn on the belt and, along with the knife and the marlin spike, the tip of which was greased with tallow before use, was the hand tool of the riggers and sailors . In the horn, tucked into the tallow, mostly some triangular needles (sailing needles for working on ropes and sails ) were carried along. The sebum greased the needles and also prevented them from rusting .

Today's cordage is usually made of synthetic fibers or wire and no longer needs sebum to make it supple.