A time honored Peruvian tradition
Gourd Making
Andean master carvers travel to the gourd fields on the Peruvian northern coast to ensure and inspect the quality of the raw materials.
![](http://lucuma.com/cdn/shop/files/Gourds-Tradition-11-1500x1000.jpg?v=1659463742&width=1500)
The Origin of the Materials
Gourds are vegetables related to pumpkins, squash and cucumbers, and they grow in a variety of shapes and sizes. This allows gourd artists to create a range of decorative ornaments, boxes or birdhouses.
![](http://lucuma.com/cdn/shop/files/Gourds-Tradition-10.jpg?v=1659464124&width=1200)
Selecting the Best
After harvest the process starts by selecting and “green-scraping” each gourd using a dull knife to shed the outer green skin. The gourds then dry naturally in the sun of the coastal desert.
![](http://lucuma.com/cdn/shop/files/Gourds-Tradition-8.jpg?v=1659464389&width=1200)
The First Sketch
Next, the artist creatively draws the design with a pencil adapting to the shape.
![](http://lucuma.com/cdn/shop/files/Gourds-Tradition-12.jpg?v=1659464623&width=1200)
Sharp Drawing
A skillful carver then carefully etches the fine lines with a simple hand chisel.
![](http://lucuma.com/cdn/shop/files/Gourds-Tradition-9.jpg?v=1659466866&width=1200)
Coloring with Heat
Using a technique called pyrography, fire adds the rich shades of browns and blacks. Sometimes after the carving and burning, a white paste is applied and washed off to highlight the intricate carvings. Gourd boxes will be cut open and the inside clean of seed and fibers and the painted.
![](http://lucuma.com/cdn/shop/files/Gourds-Tradition-13.jpg?v=1659467330&width=1200)
Last Finishes
Finally the outside is waxed and polished, presenting you with a one-of-a-kind piece to treasure for generations!