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Top view of vase made from a gourd.
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Cultural Objects, Tools

Graham Gourd Vase

People
Associated Person: Ransles Graham
Associated Person: Lillian Graham Reed
Date
1930s
Places
Sowers Mill Dam, Floyd (Courthouse District)
Material/Medium

Gourd

Specifications
  • Height: 11 1/2 inches
  • Circumference: 36 inches
Description

This container is made from a gourd that has been dried and shellacked. The stem-end was cut off and two holes have been drilled near the lip of the container indicating there was originally a wire handle or hanger attached.  Cracks in the base and side of the container have been patched with black electrical tape.

Keywords
Gourd container, vase, water gourd
Bio Sketch

Ransles “Rat” Graham (1855-1943)and his wife Mary Edwards “Cat” Graham (1853-1928) lived near Sowers Mill Dam and most likely grew the gourd plant and made this container for use on their farm. After their deaths, the gourd was passed along to their granddaughter Lillian Graham Reed (1923-2006) who used it last as a flower vase.