Gourd by Milis Gotte
France, Savoie, Chambéry
19th century
Calabash, leather, wood and bone
Height: 17.7 cm.
Width: 19 cm.
Depth: 9 cm.
Strap:
Length: 36 cm.
Width: 2 cm
Anonymous gift received in 1962
MEG Inv. ETHEU 056647
Geolocate the object
This finely engraved gourde features decorations that celebrate Bacchus and a representation of an open magazine displaying the title Indépendance. The calabash was remarkable for its lightness, watertightness, and the neutral taste of its contents; it was often used to transport drinks, particularly wine. A stopper prevents any loss of liquid and horn fasteners enable a strap to be attached. These objects were intended for walkers on excursions in the Alps. They could be assembled and decorated on site, but the Curcurbita fruits (gourds) were imported (often ready for immediate use) from Mediterranean regions, in particular Algeria.
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Welcoming and sharing
In rural communities, hospitality is a right and a duty. Social interaction through sharing food and drink follows well-established rituals. This highly codified way of being together, regarded as a sign of civilisation, ensures respect and formality in the relationship between the people gathered around the table.
Thirst and hospitality
The rules of traditional hospitality regarding drinks are still applied today. The art of drinking is a social and physical skill which has to be learnt. Although no one is ever refused a drink of water, all other beverages, particularly alcohol, must be drunk according to strict regulations, whether the drinker is alone, with his family or at a public event.
