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
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Typically large fruit with a hard skin, some varieties are edible and some are not.
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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 wonderful and are extremely multipurpose, they can be used decoratively, functionally as a musical instrument, but can also be burned, carved, painted and stained.
You can even carve pieces out of the dried gourd to make your very own jewellery crafts. A gourd can be made into many types of shaker including a beaded maraca, regular maraca, or shekere, they also make for a good guiro, if you have the skills!
A guiro is a percussive musical instrument that is played by scraping a stick along the blocks indents, whilst this one does not come with a stick it is still beautifully decorated and is a multipurpose guiro gourd rainstick shaker from Peru with the addition of a handwoven strap.
Gourd shakers are traditionally made in West Africa, this percussions instrument is dried, and then has beads attached to a netting that is placed on the outside of the gourd. When the instrument is being shaken, the beads hit the outside which in turns makes for a rhythmic sound. For extra style and also for protection, most handles will have some type of woven band around the neck of the instrument so that you can put your hand through to avoid dropping it and of course to look good!
A more unusual instrument is a thumb piano kalimba made from half a gourd fruit, it has the addition of steel-sprung keys, and the large gourd fruit creates a natural resonance chamber. We love gourds and all of the creative products that can be made from such a wonderful fruit. There are so many things that can be made from Gourds, and here we highlight the most popular gourd products of all time. If you're a fan of the gourd fruit, then stick around and let natures fruits unfold!
Most Popular Gourd Products
1. Kenyan Gourd Shaker
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
