ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Calabash

Calabash is the name of a plant that grows in many different countries around the world. It has a really special fruit that grows on it that looks like a big green or yellow gourd. This fruit is often used for making bowls, cups, and other useful things. People have been using calabash for a very long time because it is strong and can hold a lot of things.

To make something out of calabash, people first have to let the fruit dry out in the sun for a long time. Then they cut off the top of the fruit and scoop out all the seeds and flesh from inside. They might also sand or polish the outside of the fruit to make it smoother.

Once the inside of the calabash is empty, people can use it to make all kinds of things! Some people carve designs or pictures into the outside, while others use paint or other materials to decorate it. Many parts of the world use calabash to make musical instruments, like the maracas or the shekere.

Overall, calabash is a really cool and versatile plant that people have been using for centuries to make all kinds of useful and beautiful things!