The Calabash is one of the symbols of rural African life which many modern individuals have embraced with the aim of preserving culture. It is moulded in different shapes. The Calabash could be used for different things, apart from serving as a drinking vessel it also serves as a musical instrument. As part of celebrating our heritage month, the Arts and Entertainment Desk, takes a look at the calabash.
The Calabash is functionally used as containers for carrying and storing water, as well as being used in the kitchen. The calabash tree produces large spherical fruit, with the hard shells of it, used as bowls and other containers when hollowed out.
The calabash is also used in traditional systems of medicine. Gone were the days, when calabash was commonly found in our homes, now it has become the symbol of pan Africanism. To some it can best be used as an inkpot, a cosmetic container, or a money box by market women.
In the entertainment arena the calabash also serves as a musical instrument. This is a type of drumming by the Ashantis and it’s called Dansuomuu. Dansuomuu is performed with a calabash in water.
By Eric Mello
