Three Horns

While at Ivan Anthony's gallery in Karangahape Rd,

Auckland I noticed, in an office, these coat hooks, if that is

what one should call them. I don't know what animals

were the source of these horns.

I have a small collection of cow horns here

in my studio. I particularly like the ones that are

white but have black tips.

Visually, I find it a pity that modern dairy cows don't have horns, either by breeding, or

by removal at some early stage of their lives.

Spending the first few years of my life on a dairy farm made a big

impression on me. Seeing my father remove adult cows' horns

with a saw, I think it was, was a seminal experience of my life.

Red blood spurted out of the stump, and cows bellowed with pain.

There was no anaesthetic.

It's been on my mind for quite a while to get in touch with a vet, who may be able to

find me some more horns. Taranaki is one of the most intense dairy

areas of New Zealand so I'm a bit hopeful.