Follow the drinkin' gourd,
For the old man is awaitin' for to carry you to freedom
If you follow the drinkin' gourd.
--1800s song
The "drinkin' gourd" alludes to the hollowed-out gourd used by pre-emancipation slaves and other rural Americans as a water dipper. Used here it is a code name for the Big Dipper star formation, which points to Polaris, the Pole Star, and North, and freedom. It was part of the Underground Railroad.
This unique piece of usable art is made from an organically-grown gourd from the gardens at Spirit Horse Ranch. Carefully carved and shaped to be used as a drinking vessel, the gourd is coated with natural beeswax hardened with organic damar crystals. It is completely safe for drinking. The dipper is designed with the image of the 'big dipper' star formation, created in blue encaustic on both sides of the gourd. The dipper has a leather thong on the end, for decorative hanging.
Dipper gourds for purchase will be posted soon.
A packet of 10 seeds from this gourd, which is suitable for making dippers, bowls, rain sticks, etc. is 2.00, with 1.00 shipping. You may purchase by credit card through PayPal below, or contact me to send a money order.
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