For centuries the calabash — a dried, hollowed gourd — has been one of the most useful objects in East African homes. It has carried water, stored milk, served beer at celebrations and been used as a musical instrument.
Growing a calabash
The gourds are grown on vines, harvested when mature and left to cure for weeks until the shell becomes hard and light.
From everyday object to art
Our artisans clean, sand and paint each calabash by hand with geometric bands inspired by traditional designs. No two are the same.
Today, a painted calabash is a beautiful decorative piece and a reminder of how our ancestors lived with what the land provided.
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