Buccina
An ancient Roman wind instrument, coiled in a circle and carried over the shoulder; regarded as a forerunner of modern brass instruments.
What it means
The buccina was an ancient Roman wind instrument of considerable length, coiled into a circle and carried over the shoulder when played. Like modern brass instruments, it was blown through a cup-shaped mouthpiece and, having no valves or slide, could produce only the natural harmonic series.
Musical use
The buccina was used chiefly in the Roman military for signaling: it announced changes of watch, relayed commands to troops, and accompanied ceremonial occasions. Its piercing, far-carrying sound suited signals over long distances in a military camp.
It is regarded as a forerunner of modern brass instruments such as the horn and tuba, whose coiled, compact designs stem from similar practical considerations. The buccina should be distinguished from the straight Roman tuba, a signal trumpet, and from the lituus, a curved instrument with an upturned bell used for different sounds and purposes.