What Is A Gourd? - Carved Culture

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A gourd is a fruit from a flowering plant species in the family Cucurbitaceae, there are many species of gourd, some with hard shells and some without. They do vary a lot as most fruits do, some can be very small making the shape of a typical shaker and some can be extremely heavy and large, mainly the variety Zucca melon (the giant gourd.)

Edible gourds include the ones usually referred to as squash, whilst most are only ornamental due to there hard shells, being inedible and not tasting very nice. Pumpkin is also a member of the same family as gourds. Growing them as a plant can be possible if they are given full sun and rich well-drained soil, they do also grow very quickly and should have some type of support such as a trellis or fence.

Definition of 'Gourd

noun

1. Typically large fruit with a hard skin, some varieties are edible and some are not. 
2. A climbing or trailing plant which bears gourds.

Synonyms

Others words that could be used instead of gourd to mean the same thing include: Fruit, Pepo, Cucumber, Cucurbit, Melon, Pumpkin, Squash, Fruit vine, Jack-o'-lantern, Calabash, and Bottle gourd.

What can you do with a gourd?

Gourds are versatile and can be used decoratively, functionally, and creatively. They are commonly made into musical instruments like maracas, shekeres, and guiros, and can also be carved, painted, or stained into unique crafts, including jewelry. For example, a dried gourd can be transformed into a guiro by scraping a stick along its indented surface, or it can be made into a gourd rainstick shaker with a handwoven strap for added style and practicality.

Gourd shakers that are traditionally handcrafted in West Africa, are often decorated with beads attached to netting for rhythmic sound when shaken. Gourds can be used to create thumb pianos or kalimbas, with the natural resonance chamber adding depth to the sound.

Most Popular Gourd Products

1. Kenyan Gourd Shaker

★★★★★ - "It's quirky and has a good sound too". - Verified Buyer 

This gourd shaker is made from a gourd that has been carved and burnt in Kenya, Africa to depict unusual patterns, looks good, sounds good.

Buy the Kenyan Gourd Shaker Here.

2. Gourd Guiro Shaker

★★★★★ - "def will buy it again. Thank you, I love it, speedy delivery, and super service". - Verified Buyer 

Another shaker? This one is rather different. It doubles as a guiro and this one doesn't have an attached stick, the whole thing is pure gourd.

Purchase the Gourd Guiro Shaker Here.

3. Gourd Thumb Piano Kalimba

★★★★★ - " Thank you. Beautiful instrument, carefully packaged and sent quickly". - Verified Buyer 

This gourd kalimba is inspired, made from half a gourd with steel sprung keys, a dot painted design and the wonderful sound that it sings when you pluck. This is the largest version of our thumb pianos, with upgraded sprung steel keys and a large resonating Gourd fruit shell of approx 20cm diameter, sizes and design will vary. This one has 8-notes that you can play, and experiment with. This fair trade kalimba would make a perfect gift for any passionate musician, featuring its intricate dot pattern.

Order the Gourd Thumb Piano Kalimba Today.

4. Beaded Gourd Cabasa Shaker

★★★★★ - " My new place for percussion. Extremely happy with my purchase. well packaged. arrived quickly". - Verified Buyer 

This beaded gourd has been hollowed out which allows it to act as a chamber for amplification. When those beads tap on the hollow gourd, you know this shaker means business.

Buy the Gourd Cabassa Shaker Here.

5. Gourd Detox Tea

Fancy a health detox? Gourd tea, or better known as bitter melon tea has made it's way into the health market. It is a natural and pure laxative that can promote healthy digestion but also suppresses appetite which means it can aid in weight loss.

6. Mini Gourd Decorations

These mini gourds are wonderful for decoration throughout the home. Place them in a bowl or container for a simple addition to your decor. You could even use them to decorate autumn wreathes. 

7. Gourd Cup for Yerba Mate

This wonderful gourd has been decorated with an aluminium metal ring on the top and it also comes with a straw. This is the traditional original way to drink "Yerba Mate" which is a caffeine-rich infused drink from Argentina, it's typically consumed by Guaraní and Tupí peoples.

8. Chinese Gourd Hulisi Flute

 

This handmade flute is in the key of C and is easy to learn and play. Made from bamboo canes and natural carved gourd. After you are done playing, you can keep it safe in this special case.

Order the Chinese Gourd Hulusi Flute today.

9. Talking Stick Gourd Rattle

The famous talking stick is made from gourd and is used for rituals and shaman ceremonies. It is extra large (approx. 17" inches), and is made from natural materials by local traditions

10. Gourd Rakatak

 

The Gourd Rakatak was handcrafted in Senegal. The instrument combines a stick and calabash rings to produce a unique sound. Made from wood, gourd, and metal, this eco-friendly, handmade instrument is ideal for those seeking an authentic African rattle.

Purchase the Gourd Rakatak Here.

11. Fojo Shaker

The Fojo Shaker, handcrafted in Ghana, is made from two halved calabashes filled with pebbles and fixed to a stick. Featuring intricate geometric lines and Adinkra symbols burned into the wood, this unique percussion instrument offers an earthy, warm, and textured sound. 

Buy the Fojo Shaker Here.

12. Coco Shaker

The small Calabash Coco Shaker was handcrafted in Ghana and is a unique percussion instrument with an egg-shaped base that produces rich sound effects. Made from high-quality, all-natural materials, it offers warm, earthy tones and is perfect for musicians of all levels.

Order the Coco Shaker Today.

13. Balafon Xylophone

The Balafon Xylophone, handmade in Ghana, is crafted from wood and gourds, producing a unique, calming sound. This traditional instrument is available in 6, 7, 8, and 10-note versions, with suspended gourds amplifying the tones. It includes two beaters and, due to its handmade nature, each instrument is slightly unique.

Purchase the Balafon Xylophone Here.

14. Tarma Shakers

★★★★★ - "Thank you so much, absolutely beautiful items and perfectly packaged". - Verified Buyer

The Tarma Shakers are handcrafted from natural gourds, offering a unique, bottle-shaped design with stunning native gourd art depicting nature and wildlife. Sold as a pair or individually, these eco-friendly, fair-trade instruments deliver a warm, resonant tone with a high pitch.

Buy the Gourd Tarma Shakers Here.

15. Kenyan Nakuru Kalimba

The Nakuru Thumb Piano Kalimba is a unique handmade instrument from Kenya, crafted from natural materials like gourd, wood, and metal tines. This rustic kalimba features a small sound hole for enhanced resonance and produces a bright, clear tone. Its simple, eco-friendly design adds authenticity, but it’s best suited for adult players due to its rough edges and small parts.

Order the Kenyan Nakuru Kalimba Today.

16. Calabash Caxixi Shaker

The Calabash Rattle Caxixi, handcrafted in Ghana from dried bottle gourd, produces a deep, mellow tone with a distinctive sound. This percussion instrument is available in various colour combinations and is ideal for musicians, percussionists, and sound therapists. 

Purchase the Calabash Caxixi Shaker Here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are gourds used for?

Gourds are incredibly versatile. They are used in various ways, including for musical instruments like the Kenyan Gourd Shaker or Gourd Thumb Piano Kalimba, for decorative items such as Mini Gourd Decorations, and for practical uses like the Gourd Cup for Yerba Mate for drinking traditional Argentine tea.

Are all gourds edible?

No, not all gourds are edible. While some varieties like squash and pumpkins are commonly consumed, others, such as those used for decorative purposes or musical instruments like the Gourd Guiro Shaker and Gourd Rakatak, are not suitable for eating due to their tough shells.

How do you grow gourds?

Gourds grow best in full sun and well-drained, rich soil. They grow quickly and often need support like a trellis or fence. Once harvested, gourds can be transformed into items such as the Talking Stick Gourd Rattle or Beaded Gourd Cabasa Shaker, commonly found in African percussion instruments.

Can you eat gourd?

Some gourds are edible, like pumpkins and squashes, which belong to the gourd family. However, many gourds are used primarily for decorative or functional purposes, such as in the creation of items like the Gourd Detox Tea (made from bitter melon), or musical instruments like the Fojo Shaker and Gourd Rakatak.

How do you carve a gourd?

To carve a gourd, you can remove its seeds and clean it out before using sharp carving tools. Gourds can be turned into musical instruments such as the Kenyan Gourd Shaker, Gourd Guiro Shaker, or used decoratively, as seen in Gourd Thumb Piano Kalimba and Mini Gourd Decorations. You can also make jewelry or other crafts by carving designs into dried gourds.

Explore our collection of musical instruments.

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