To continue our journey let’s explore the roles of gourds in domestic life and for emerging crafts people. Historically, ancient gourd shells hold clues about tools and materials and the human need for a sense of design. They also give us insight into the refinement of tools, as well as peoples’ belief systems, social roles, activities and, as a means of explaining the world all around them.
Follow your map of the world and find Peru in South America. Peru has been the home to gourd artists for more than 4,500 years. Some of the most intricate gourds have been coming out of Peru for hundreds if not thousands of years. Gourds remain in continuous use. After European contact, gourds continued to be decorated but now color was added. These gourds tell whole stories about daily life, religious ceremonies, and even political events. As seen here, post European contact, the detailing and colors used make an exquisite example. Originally the darkened recesses were filled with ash and soot with water added and then wiped off leaving only the lines. Notice all the ways lines are used in this example.
Until next time, aloha and Goddess Bless!
1 The Complete Book of Gourd Carving, Jim Widess and Ginger Summit, 2014