Tucked under a shaded tree next to the roaring Victoria Falls, I met a Zambian man polishing and decorating these gourds. His face was worn in the best possible way with laugh lines etching his face.

The mighty tribes of Zambia are possibly the happiest people I’ve observed in 80+ countries. No life is easy in the developing world, yet Zambians burst into song, dance, or laughter all the time. It’s the only developing nation I’ve witnessed where women police are visible everywhere, especially in the traffic division. One taxi driver proudly stated that the new government deliberately hired women for this role because they are incorruptible in executing the law, and if stopped by them, you obey and pay up. Even in the pouring rain, they stand ready. The women of Zambia are an inspiration of hard work, determination, and character.

Monkeys enjoy eating these gourds that are the fruit harvested from the Spinoza tree. Artisans gather the remaining gourds and glue the hole by the stem to trap the seeds inside. Then the gourd is polished and painted in a myriad of designs by the artisan. They come in a variety of sizes ranging from two to four inches in diameter. Sold elsewhere for $12-$17 a piece, we are offering these to you for $10 each.* With only 4 decorated, plus one unpainted to show the original state, we make this eye-catching décor available for you to display in your own home!