Gourd Bowl (Igba/Calabash/Jicara)

What's Included

(1) Dried and hallowed gourd bowl

Available Sizes: small: approx. 3.5"-4" diameter, medium: approx. 4.5"-6" diameter, large: approx. 7-8.5" diameter

Origin: Nigeria (fair trade, ethically & sustainably harvested from a family farm)

Cultural Note

Yoruba communities have used 'igbas' (Yoruba word for gourd) as an integral part of everyday life for thousands of centuries. The calabash has been used as bowls, spoons, and containers that hold anything from river water to stew.

As well as being used as part of everyday routines, the igba is used in ritual practice and serves as a container for spiritual and magical substances. Igba appears in descriptions of Yoruba traditional stories, divination and praise poetry. In Yoruba cosmology one half of the igba represents "heaven", or the invisible realm, and the other represents the sea, or "primordial waters", on which the earth floats.

Care & Storage

Cleaning
Avoid soaking or submerging in water — prolonged moisture can cause the gourd to soften or develop mold. Do not use chemical cleaners, as they can be absorbed into the natural gourd shell.

Drying
After any contact with moisture, allow the gourd to air-dry completely in a well-ventilated area before storing or using again. Never seal a damp gourd in an enclosed container.

Preservation
To keep the shell strong and prevent cracking, lightly coat the outside with coconut oil or shea butter. Buff away any excess with a dry cloth.

Storage
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and humidity. Avoid plastic bags or airtight containers, which trap moisture.