The Gourd Shell Vessel is a hand-crafted traditional container of the Chenchu tribe, who traditionally live in the forest of Nallamala Hills situated in Andhra Pradesh . The forest-dwelling, indigenous community keeps its rich connection alive with the forest, which makes them use natural items for everyday tool making and container making, and thus gourd shell vessels are one of the best examples of their sustainable living. Usually made of a long type of gourd, this vessel is hollowed out and dried. The body is slightly curved, which gives it the characteristic of being easily carried or tied with other ropes. Two holes are often made near the mouth part of the vessel to suspend it with a string or hold it down with a lid. This vessel is lightweight and quite durable and very good at biodegrading- all such features make it very ideal for Chenchus' nomadic and semi-nomadic lifestyle.
Traditionally, these vessels are used for storing and moving water, honey, or other liquids obtained from the forests. Furthermore, the natural insulation property of the gourd maintains the temperature of the contained materials. In certain circumstances, it has also been used in rituals or medicine, especially in preparation and storage of herbal mixtures derived from the forest. This is a simple, functional object, mirroring the idea of Chenchus by considering their relationship with nature and the deep understanding of the forest ecosystem.