Do you know about the ancient, culturally embedded tradition of the story gourd? The gourd with a story etched around the surface … with the carved grid on the back … with the hinged door that opens to reveal a picture related to the story?
You’ve never heard of the hallowed tradition of the story gourd?
Maybe that’s because it doesn’t exist, at least not as an ancient tradition. My sister, Robin Souers, invented and crafted the story gourd, quite recently as a matter of fact. I visited her in the early part of this week, and she gave me as a gift the story gourd she created.
Knowing my passion for storytelling, she crafted this delightful object that tells a story about the two of us. The little door opens to display a photo of Robin and me as children.
The story gourd may not be an ancient tradition, but I can truly see it becoming a modern one. What a cool idea to have a story meaningful to a family, couple, group, or organization preserved on a gourd. I can see groups sitting around in a circle, passing the gourd around, and reading parts of the story. I can see story gourds sitting in places of honor in family homes.
I’m fantasizing that story gourds will really catch on, and my sister will have a little cottage business.
Want one?