Gourd Bowls
Gourds are the dried shells of fruits in the Cucurbitaceae family of plants (genus Lagenaria) and belong to the same family as the pumpkin. Most commonly, gourds are the product of the species Lagenaria siceraria (the calabash or African bottle gourd), native to Africa, and possibly one of the oldest plants domesticated by humans. They were used originally as containers and vessels before clay and stone pottery and are indeed referred to sometimes as “nature’s pottery”. Calabashes have been used in Africa for drawing water, serving porridge, storing honey and milk, and brewing traditional liquor.
A combination of techniques are used to decorate the calabashes ( pyrography, beadwork, embroidery, applique, decoupage etc) together with pieces of African textiles such as Bakuba cloth from the Congo and Kente cloth from Ghana which are then embellished with seeds, cowry shells and bone carvings made to Sundeep’s designs by artisans in Kibera, Nairobi. The women also employ intricate embroidery and needle work with pieces of Indian brocade in the grand tradition of Lucknow and Jaipur in India.
Please take a look at the gallery section for a full range of gourd bowls.
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