Natural horn comes from the water buffallo
Domestic animal and material supplier for natural horn
The production of HOFFMANN natural horn frames uses predominantly the horn of the water buffalo.
The water buffalo in Asia is a domesticated animal, comparable to our cattle. This animal does not fall into the category or is under the protection of endangered species. This animal is utilized throughout the world in agriculture in many regions of the world today. They are trained as four-legged tractors to plow and harvest fields.
The water buffalo is almost vital in the areas of cultivation in the rice plantations of Asia. Milk and leather is also supplied from these animals. The horns are later a by-product used for exclusive natural products.
As by HOFFMANN NATURAL EYEWEAR, spectacles are hand crafted into exquisite eyewear from the raw materials. HOFFMANN, with their many years of experience in handling the horn, have become the specialists in the natural eyewear world. The horns of a water buffalo reach up to one meter in length.
But only a small part of it can actually be used in raw material for producing an eyeglass frame. At HOFFMANN NATURAL EYEWEAR high quality requirements are placed against the material and against the aesthetics of the structure. Therefore, at HOFFMANN they select only the best horn pieces and continue to convert them into beautiful horn spectacles.
Some farmers say in some instances, as one passes their pasture or milking sheds one can hear voices singing airs of Puccini and Verdi as this increases the milk production. Due to its characteristic harmonious and interesting colors, each horn is always a unique piece.
Today there are still no living water buffalos in the Eifel region of Germany to be seen. However, if one goes several hundred kilometres south in Europe, the water buffalo is found working on Italian farms. For example, original Mozzarella is made in Italy from the water buffalo. It is also one of the most famous cheeses of the world produced by the fat-enriched buffalo milk.