One of the most recognized customs of Rosh Hashanah, awaited by many in synagogues across the country, is the sounding of the shofar. A deep, rolling tone emerges from the large, hollow horn. As we all know, the shofar originates from the horn of an animal.
To mark the holiday, and as a tribute to the horned creatures that make this ancient ritual possible, the Israel Nature and Parks Authority shared the stories of animals adorned with horns in Israel’s landscapes.
Broadly speaking, there are two main types of horns among hoofed animals. The first are permanent horns, seen on ibex, gazelles, oryx, cattle, goats and antelopes. These horns do not regenerate each year but remain throughout the animal’s life.
A horn is made of a bony core covered by a keratin sheath — the same substance as nails or hooves. They grow from a young age and continue for life, though they may break or wear down. Both males and females usually bear horns, though in some species the females’ are smaller. Horns serve for defense, dominance battles and sometimes even social ranking.
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