Francie Marshall

This bonneted figure clipping a sheet of horn with a pair of shears is Francie Marshall from Kirkcowan. Horn working, especially carving and turning horn spoons, was a traditional tinkler craft. Cow horns were mostly used; rams’ horns are more difficult to work, though more durable. Like the tailors of old who went out to “whip the cat” for months at a time, the Marshalls travelled from farm-house to farm-house working up the rams’ horns for farmers for board and so much money.