Imagine indigenous peoples around the globe gathered together in ceremonies and rituals. Visualize ancient family groups, cooking and warming themselves over open fires, softly chanting, and being guided by the wise words and presence of the shaman, the all-powerful holy man.

Imagine, the medicine man engaged in his ancient craft, pounding pungent leaves and berries, sacred herbs and oil potions passed down through generations. Food is then prepared and music is shared as ancient tribesmen move slowly to hypnotic rhythms.

Imagine how old civilizations vanished from the earth and other cultures drifted with the sands as indigenous tribes fell to conquering nations. Today, all that remains of these cultures are bits and pieces of their lives. Over time, these have become fodder for the imaginations and curiosities of archeologists and historians.

Discovered among the ruins are charred bones, pottery shards, and fragments of adornments that are crude yet rich with clues about long-buried cultures. Also found are preserved containers or vessels and remnants of inventive musical instruments, all made from a natural material, the gourd.