Here we are featuring a calabash (called “kibuyu” in Swahili) carved with an intricate bas’ relief of elephants, rhino and traditional African geometric designs. The calabash is made from a gourd, similar to a pumpkin, which was cleaned and dried, then the thin top layer carefully removed to carve out the detailed figures. It is then hand painted with a dark dye made from crushed seeds, bark and other natural items. The Akamba craftsmen of Kenya polish the piece to a high sheen. This whole process takes many hours and is done completely by hand. In Rwanda, this carved gourd is used at the wedding feast, with the bride and groom drinking from it through thin reed straws. Artists from all over Central Africa pass this skill down from one generation to the next. Gourds are used by women from many tribes to store milk, oil, and beer. This piece is very decorative and will enhance any room in your home. This also makes a special gift… a lovely gift for a housewarming or wedding! This gourd is approx. 7 inches high and 5 inches in diameter. Because each gourd is handcrafted, there may be slight variations from the picture in the item you will receive. This allows the carver to express himself freely and serves to make this item unique. |