Craft Name: Gourd Craft
Region: Mizoram
CRAFT
HISTORY
Gourd Craft in Mizoram has its roots in traditional Mizo household practices where bottle gourds (Lagenaria siceraria) were dried, hollowed, and used as water containers, storage vessels, and ritual objects. For generations, Mizo tribes have cultivated gourds not only as food but also as a functional craft material. Over time, the dried gourds evolved into decorated containers, musical instruments, jewellery, lampshades, masks, and ornamental items. The craft blends natural shapes with carving, burning, etching, and painting techniques, showcasing the rich cultural aesthetic of Mizoram.
WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE:
- 100% natural and eco-friendly: Made from organically grown bottle gourds.
- Every piece is unique: Natural shapes and sizes of gourds ensure no two items are alike.
- Traditional techniques: Carving, pyrography (burn-etching), hollowing, and natural polishing.
- Cultural significance: Used in Mizo households, rituals, and traditional music.
- Lightweight yet durable: Once dried and treated, gourds become strong natural vessels.

Received a
GI tag in 2023
COLOURS
- Natural earthy tones: beige, brown, ochre
- Burn-etch dark brown lines
- Hand-painted colours: red, black, green
- Smooth amber or honey-coloured polished surfaces
How much time does it take to make a product, and how many artisans are involved in the process?
Depending on product type and detailing it may take 5–8 days and typically 1-3 artisans work on a single piece.
MOTIFS
- Tribal geometric patterns
- Mizo cultural symbols (Zoram motifs, Puan patterns)
- Leaves, vines, and floral elements
- Animal and bird forms
- Traditional story-inspired markings
RAW MATERIAL
- Bottle gourd / calabash (Lagenaria siceraria)
- Natural dyes & colour pigments
- Carving blades and knives
- Bamboo or wooden tools for hollowing
- Twine, jute, bamboo strips (for handles)
- Beeswax or natural oils (for finishing)
- Varnish (optional for long-term durability)
CRAFT MAKING PROCESS
HOW TO IDENTIFY GENUINE AND AUTHENTIC CRAFT
- Natural gourd texture: Lightweight with visible natural grain.
- Non-uniform shapes: Slight asymmetry is a sign of authenticity.
- Hand-carved details: Variations in line thickness and patterns.
- Distinct earthy aroma: Comes from dried gourd and natural finishing oils.
- Sturdy shell: A hollow thud sound when tapped indicates genuine dried gourd.