The traditional Calabash pipe is made from a dried "calabash" gourd with either a meerschaum or porcelain inset bowl. There is an airspace between bowl inset and pipe body (gourd or such) which yields a typically dry and cool smoke. Unfortunately they are labor intensive which renders them a bit of a pricy item. Pipe makers offer Calabashes with the shell fashioned from wood in the traditional shape as a more affordable alternative. The persona of Sherlock Holmes is oft associated with the Calabash pipe.