The end of the Carnyx is usually in the shape of an animal. Boars seem to be the most common animal, but serpents/dragons have also been found. They are thought to have a loose spice in the centre of the mouth which served as a tongue. This would vibrate, sometimes forcefully, adding a percussive sound to the blast of the war trumpet.
Could you imagine how terrifying that noise would be?
The carnyx has recently had resurgence, with people making new ones and playing them. Below is a video of one such instrument.
Listen to it! Isn't it marvellous?
This video made my nerdy heart happy.
Now I'm off to do some work.
Ciao!