Guacal (Carved Gourd), "United Fruit"

Inscriptions

Engraved: "United Fruit"

Label

Maya Indigenous communities across Central America have practiced gourd or guacal carving for thousands of years. Made from morro trees or jicaras, guacales are used for drinking corn and cocoa beverages. This guacal was likely commissioned by United Fruit Company (now known as Chiquita), combining its branding with the emblem of the United States. Surrounding the American eagle are the emblems of five Central American countries: Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. With support from the United States, the United Fruit Company, beginning in the late 19th century and extending into the 20th, backed government coups across Central America in order to control the fruit market. Over this tumultuous period, United Fruit Company dispossessed Indigenous peoples of their lands, destabilized the biodiversity of the region, and imposed inhumane work conditions. By carving its insignia into a bowl rooted in Indigenous history and use, United Fruit Company used the guacal to symbolize their profits at the expense of Central American countries.

Course History

Spanish 9.02, Culture and Conversation, Mauricio Acuna, Spring 2024

Anthropology 3.01, Introduction to Cultural Anthropology, Charis Boke, Summer 2024

First Year Student Enrichment Program, Rachel Obbard, Summer 2024

Exhibition History

From the Field: Tracing Foodways Through Art, Owen Robertson Cheatham Gallery, Hood Museum of Art, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, June 8-November 3, 2024.

Provenance

Collected by Florence Edith deJongh Cutter (1885-1957), in Guatemala, early 20th century; to her son, Donald deJongh Cutter (1923-1997), Hanover, New Hampshire; given to present collection, 1958.

This record is part of an active database that includes information from historic documentation that may not have been recently reviewed. Information may be inaccurate or incomplete. We also acknowledge some language and imagery may be offensive, violent, or discriminatory. These records reflect the institution’s history or the views of artists or scholars, past and present. Our collections research is ongoing.

We welcome questions, feedback, and suggestions for improvement. Please contact us at: Hood.Collections@dartmouth.edu

Subject