Monday, March 28, 2011

timeless and ancient....jicara

jicara tree
jicara, or gourd
jicara cut and polished
I bought this beautiful jicara. It is polished black and carved in the traditional,  "rain" pattern.
jicara for sale in the market
"Jicara," a type of gourd, is the ultimate choice, in the Yucatan peninsula of Mexico,  for renewable, biodegradeable, natural, containers. They grow easily in the hot, dry climate. They are light,  strong, hold water, and don't crack. Jicara look fabulous when colored, polished, and carved.  In the Mexican markets, meals are served in half jicaras. Timeless and ancient, jicara are another connection  to the Mayan, traditional lifestyle that is still visible today. -

13 comments:

Debra She Who Seeks said...

Your carvesd jicara is gorgeous!

Diana Mieczan said...

It looks amazing. I love the rait pattern. Have a great Monday, my dear
Kisses

Diana Mieczan said...

rain:)

Amanda Summer said...

that carved gourd is stunning! they look like bowling balls when they are cut and polished ;-)

Linda@ Lime in the Coconut said...

Those are soooo cool. Would love a few in this casa!

secret agent woman said...

Those are really pretty. I like the carved one.

Ca88andra said...

I've never heard of jicara - amazing what you can do with them.

Heather S-G said...

Wow, they're beautiful!

rjerdee said...

how wonderful, jicara! and good to know about the rain pattern...so suitable for a water jar. learning more today...

drollgirl said...

i LOVE the one that you bought!!! i would totally buy it TOO!!!!

Julie@beingRUBY said...

Hi Susan
I haven't seen these before.. the look fab cut and polished!!! Interesting isn't it how we need to consider and think about being eco friendly.. the 3rd world just is!!

I've really enjoyed all your travel posts... brilliant!!
Have a great week... ciao xxxx Julie

Midlife Roadtripper said...

These are beautiful. I've grown many different kinds of gourds, birdhouse and an Easter egg looking one. I grow them; I don't know how to paint them.

Kevin Read said...

These are beautiful. The Mayans are amazing with their artistry.

Kevin and Ruth
www.travelwithkevinandruth.com