Grassfields Storage Gourd

Across the African continent gourds are used for the storage of dry goods. They are lightweight, durable, and relatively resistant to rodents. In the Grassfields of northwest Cameroon, the Bamileke and their neighbors carve small doors into cultivated gourds while they are still fresh and supple. By cutting on a bias and creating triangular or trapezoidal shapes, the cutouts can later be replaced in the openings to form neatly fitting doors. Series of woven loops are made on the gourd and cutout, producing a locking device. After the container is hollowed out and dried, it is fitted with a length of cord affixed through a hole at the top. It can then be stocked with anything from chilies to medicinal herbs and stored out of the way of children and rats from the walls or rafters. This gourd has a particularly beautiful shape and a sooty brown-black patina.

12″

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