Our popular Cardinal on a Branch design is now available as a gourd vessel! Bring this functional art piece to your table, shelf or home office desk; perfect for pens, pencils, paperclips and cough drops-- any little items that you like to keep handy.

Co-designed for function and beauty by our design team and master gourd artists Sebastian and Raquel Rojas of Cochas, Peru, each vessel has been handmade in their family workshop. Exact shape and design may vary, sizes range from 4" D x 3-3.5" H

Nature’s Canvas

Before an artist begins, nature has already shaped the piece.

Every mate burilado, or carved gourd, begins as the fruit of the bottle gourd, Lagenaria siceraria, a climbing plant in the same family as pumpkins, squash, and cucumbers.

Surprisingly, wild bottle gourds, which are native to Africa, may have crossed the Atlantic by floating on ocean currents. Archaeological evidence shows they were present in the Americas nearly 11,000 years ago, making them one of the earliest plants used by people in the region.

As the fruit matures and dries, its shell becomes hard, lightweight, and durable, qualities that made gourds useful as vessels, bottles, floats, musical instruments, and eventually as surfaces for artistic expression.

Shaped by nature, no two gourds are ever alike. Each becomes a natural three dimensional canvas, ready to showcase the artist’s creativity and be transformed through carving and burning into something truly unique.

Good for the Planet. Good for Everyone.

With love for Mother Earth and all beings who depend on her, Lucuma Designs commits at least 1% of annual sales to environmental organizations working to restore ecosystems, support Indigenous communities, and protect natural habitats.

Each year, we select nonprofit partners through the 1% for the Planet network whose work supports causes close to our hearts. Our giving often helps advance food sovereignty, sustainable agriculture, reforestation, solar energy, Indigenous rights, water access, habitat protection, and other environmental initiatives.

Our giving is certified annually through 1% for the Planet, so every Lucuma purchase helps support organizations working toward a healthier, more beautiful world.

Learn more about how you can join at OnePercentForThePlanet.org.