Description
The anointing horn/flask was a small container for holding olive oil. It was made of an animal horn or other material. The horn usually had to be hollowed out.
Usage
The ceremony for installing a person in the office of king or priest included pouring olive oil over his head (see Anointing oil). The oil was kept in and poured from the anointing horn/flask, used only for this special ceremony.
Translation
The Hebrew word qeren refers to an animal horn, while the word pak simply alludes to a container, such as a vial or flask or a jar with a narrow neck. NCV renders qeren in 1SA 16:1 as “container.” A word should be chosen which indicates a container with a small volume, one from which a liquid may be poured, and with the possibility of being closed.