Thunder Gourds by Debby Rising

Debby Rising is a California native artist who incorporates her love of woodworking, ceramics, and beadwork into gourds. Her Cherokee and Choctaw ancestors used gourds for daily and ceremonial uses. Debby has taught traditional rattle-making workshops in Native communities throughout the Central Valley. She has been a featured artist at The Crocker Art Museum’s Maker’s Fair,  Sacramento, CA. Chris Sorensen Gallery Fresno, CA, and she is a former resident artist of Panama Pottery and MyStudio Sacramento, CA. Debby held a position on the council with the Cherokees of the North Central Valley for several years and is on the committee of the annual Cherokees of the West  Craft Fair.  

Hold the Gourd Properly

Grip the thunder gourd gently with one hand around the gourd’s body, keeping the resonator opening facing down or away from you. Avoid covering the hole, as this allows the sound to resonate.

2. Activate the Spring

The thunder gourd has a metal spring attached to it. Lightly shake or tap the gourd so that the spring vibrates. This action creates the sound, which is amplified by the gourd’s hollow body.
Experiment with different intensities and rhythms. Shaking it gently creates a low, rumbling sound, while a firmer shake or tap produces a louder, more thunderous effect.

3. Use Variation for Effect

Adjust the angle, speed, and strength of your shakes to vary the sound. Depending on how you move the gourd, you can create short, soft rumbles or long, rolling thunder sounds.
Rotating or slightly tilting the gourd while shaking can add depth and variety to the sound as it modulates through the resonator.

4. Practice for Smooth Transitions

If you’re incorporating the thunder gourd into a sound healing session, practice transitioning smoothly between gentle and intense shakes to create a dynamic, atmospheric effect that aligns with the energy of the session.
The thunder gourd’s versatile sound is perfect for creating a natural atmosphere and adding layers to a soundscape, bringing listeners into a deep, meditative state. Enjoy experimenting with it!