1,200 Year Old Innovation

Photo by Travis Rathbone for the Smithsonian Museum

Yes, we Crackled Apples think we're pretty spiffy with our ideas and newfangled ways of doing things with gourds but there is a long history of crackled gourd people. The Smithsonian reports in their recent December 2013 issue that the Chimu empire of the Rio Moche Valley in northern Peru had gourd telephones. Looking like two tin cans on a string, the Chimu connected two gourd ends together with a twine to communicate within palaces.

The Georgia Gourd Guy is putting together a collection of gourd history. Some articles still to come are magical gourds and gourd snuff. There is a lot to learn about gourds and their fascinating history!

Keeping talkin', keep learn', and by all means stay Crackled!