Kenyan Large Gourd Bowl-Hand Carved

Description

These large engraved Gourd Bowls are so versatile - they are great for storing items, or for jazzing up a boring old plant pot. Each bowl is hand painted and hand carved by artisans in Kenya and is decorated with traditional Kenyan abstract patterns. Each one is unique as the artisans love to incorporate their own designs. 

I chose this bowl for its beautiful earthy red colouring and striking patterns. I love it in my kitchen for storing eggs but I can see it equally well in any room. Bathroom possibly for all those giggly bits and bobs? Or even simply as a centrepiece in the living room or dining table?

Gourds are grown in Northern and Eastern Kenya and are traditionally used to store and carry water and food. The gourds are collected and dried in villages before being transported to Nairobi where they are hollowed out, painted and carved by hand.

These engraved bowls are not only beautiful and functional, they support traditional skills and provide an income upcountry in the villages as well as in Nairobi where each workshop employs five people. Gourd is such a great material we have purchased a few lovely products made of it. If you like this bowl you may like these gourd earrings.

Specifications

Around: 20 cm wide. and 15 cm. high
Made in Kenya
Fair Trade  

Story

Siesta Crafts was started in 1983 by Chris and Les Harper with a market stall selling handicrafts that were brought back from their travels from Mexico and Guatemala (hence the name!).

They now import directly from suppliers in countries all over the world on a Fair Trade basis and they are proud to be a member of the British Association for Fair Trade Shops and Suppliers.

They specialise in unusual and interesting gifts. In this day and age of anodyne, cloned town high streets, it is good to see they have a vibrant, colourful presence with a wide range of unique and colourful handcrafted and fair trade items.

Their intention is that by trading with their producers they are helping them to achieve economic self-sufficiency, whilst simultaneously bringing to their customers the skills and crafts of other cultures.

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