Drinking Gourds

Drinking Gourds

Drinking Gourds, African American Studies, African Culture

The drinking gourd is typically made from the dried shell of a calabash or bottle gourd plant. After hollowing and drying, the gourd becomes a lightweight, durable vessel used for drinking water, palm wine, milk, and other beverages. In many regions, the gourd is polished, dyed, carved, or decorated to reflect local artistry.

ID: The image shows a section of drinking gourds used for various liquids decorated and displayed. They vary from size and length as seen from the left to the right. There are knitted sleeves on the two on the right, this is a common design choice common for gourds. They are displayed from Duke University in North Carolina and originated from West Africa. Drinking gourds were widely used by various African communities as portable containers for water, milk, palm wine, and herbal drinks, especially by farmers, travelers, and herders. They were also used in ceremonial contexts by elders and spiritual leaders, symbolizing tradition, utility, and cultural identity.

Physical Dimension: 10" x 8.5"

1992

Jonathan Atwine

This material is subject to copyright law and is made available for private study, scholarship, and research purposes only.

JPG

Text