What: The gourd belongs to the same plant family as squash, cucumber, melons and pumpkins. They grow on vines and are thought to be among the oldest cultivated plants (not grown wild, but planted) in the world. The pictures are of the dried gourd, which has many practical uses. It is water-tight and lightweight for carrying and storing foods and liquids. Straps could be woven around the gourd to help carry it. One type of gourd had the shape to be used as a canteen, with a plug on top and straps woven around it.

Who: Used mainly by American Indians, but many pioneers adopted the use of the gourd.