The Yoruba people of western and northern Nigeria are well known for their use of gourds, including traditional art applications. Thecalabash, a hard-shelled gourd, is dried and carved with motifs ranging from symbols of gods to geometric patterns. Day to day, thecalabash is used in the kitchen to serve food and drink, but it is also used for special occasions and rituals. For example, calabashes holding the kola nut are presented to wedding guests as a symbol of hospitality and friendship.