I know for sure the slaves used gourds to make musical instruments, also a lot of African related instruments made from gourds are used today, I researched the grandfather of the banjo as we know it today it has its roots in what was called a banjemer came from Africa with the slaves, it was made from what is now called a banjo gourd, I planted the gourd seeds raised the gourds and re-produced this instrument and it turned out rather nice if I must say so, I am very computer limited or I would post a picture.