Calabash! Barbados Craft , For Any Part of Life!

A host of Barbados craft lays just before the swing bridge and next to the steps leading down to Independence Square in Bridgetown.

Out of all of the vendors in that location there is one whose art and craft stood out for its explicit individuality.

A very rare craft in Barbados is what we saw at this stall.

Simple but attractive, this work is highly recommended as an exclusive, authentic souvenir of Barbados-island craft.

Okay. What we discovered is- unique and multi-functional calabash craft.

The calabash tree was one of the first cultivated plants in the world, grown for its functional uses as a container- According to Wikipedia.org

The African settlers on Barbados used the Calabash shell as water containers, which kept the water cooler than when stored in rain barrels-According to A.S Seddon’s (book) “Trees of the Caribbean”.

Calabash gourds have been used by many cultures and civilizations for years- Click here for more interesting but functional uses of the calabash in various countries across the world.

Today in the Caribbean, however, the Calabash gourd is no longer used primarily for eating or drinking.

That’s what made finding this Barbados art and craft stall so exciting and its craft so rare and unique. Play the video below to view Isage's stall.

Isage’s work can be used, as anything you desire.

He has his own Calabash trees from which he sources the fruit for his craft. After he picks the fruit, he cores it before beginning to carve his design.

When this Barbados artist starts working with the hallowed calabash shell, there is no telling what theme of design will emerge.

Isage admits-“sometimes I start with an idea in mind and then other times I just begin to design and in the end something good comes out” in a very peaceful voice and calm demeanour- as he works on finishing up another piece of craft.

He tells us, “some of the themes I work with are: Love, life in general and friendship.” “Often what I’m feeling inspired by at the time.”

On our approach to this stall I noticed slight smoke coming out of one of the calabash shells, and on drawing closer there was a relaxing aroma. What is this, smoke, I asked. "Incense- I’m not trying to burn the place down," he replied, with a little chuckle... and with this light exchange- here is what we found pleasing about this Barbados craft stall.

What we liked most:

Ingraved in some of his calabash works is advice for life, here are some tips we came across on Isage's craft:

FRIENDS TILL THE END

NEVER LET YOUR PROBLEMS EAT YOU OUT

KEEP IT REAL MY FRIEND

LOVE SHINES BRIGHTER THAN THE MORNING SUN

Though there are quite a few Barbados craft stalls next to Independence Square. All of them carry lovely craft items, but not many of these other craft vendors had unusual hand-made Barbados craft like this.

We also noticed that many of the stalls carried the exact same pieces of craft. This made Isage’s work stand out even more. Isage’s work is 100% grown and handcrafted by him.

The pictures, featured are a snapshot of this artists’ work, in person this craft is even more beautiful and captivating and its imagery and detail are amazing.

We mentioned what we liked about this stall but the best thing about it is- you can have your calabash craft customised to show the theme or words you want –making it your personal keep sake from Barbados.

Within minutes another design takes formation-wonder what other themes and advice are brewing for the next design.

Thank you Isage, for making such inspiring Barbados craft and having us feature it right here on life-n-styles-barbados.com

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