Of all known plants, the gourd is the only plant believed to span the entire globe in prehistoric times.  Fragments and seeds have been unearthed dating as far back as 11,000 B.C.  An intact gourd was found in Florida that was associated with a human settlement dating back to 6,000 B.C.

Through the years gourds have been used as tools, containers, vessels, utensils, fish net buoys, musical instruments, medicinally, clothing, currency, and in religious ceremonies and rituals of many cultures.

When properly cured, gourds can last for decades making them an excellent medium for art and keepsakes as featured on my website.