Compas de Nicaragua

Gourd Art Empowers Women In Action

Gourd art is a traditional Nicaraguan handcraft. It is painstaking work requiring great skill. The ornamental gourds have been used for thousands of years by indigenous peoples and peasants as cups, spoons, and as containers to carry fluids. The calabash gourds are natural thermoses and make excellent canteens. They are still used today as large spoons for Nicaraguan soups, or as cups for traditional rice and corn drinks. Today, they are also used for decorative art.

The members of Women in Action have revived this art work as a way to continue native crafts and raise money. Lilliam Molinares, one of the original Women in Action members, learned the art of carving gourds as a young girl. Against the advice of her father, who thought she was too young and would cut her fingers, Lilliam secretly attended an art group of women who were working on gourds. After learning to carve, her family moved and Lilliam gave up the art until just a few years ago when she became a member of Women in Action. When the group was considering an arts and crafts project, Lilliam stepped forward and offered to teach the women to carve gourds.

In just over two years, the women have learned to create their own unique artwork that combines gourd carving with the traditional art of braiding the trunks of banana trees. The results are remarkable and the art from is truly one of a kind. 

Their unique, hand-crafted gourds make wonderful gifts. They can be used as plant holders, bird houses, as kitchen containers, or as decorations. Last year, the 25 women cooperative sold over $3,000 in gourd art. With the money received from the sale of their gourds, the women are more able to help their families survive in La Primavera.