Origin: Argentina

Introduction: Mate Gourds have a long history in South America. They are used as part of Yerba drinking ritual and are made from either a Gourd or ellaborately carved wood. One individual (CEBADOR in Spanish), assumes the task of a server. The Cebador typically fills the gourd and drinks the Yerba completely to ensure that it is free of small particles and that it is of good quality. The server subsequently refills the gourd and passes it to the next drinker who likewise drinks it all. The ritual proceeds around the circle until the mate becomes lavado ("washed out" or "flat"), typically after the gourd has been filled about eight to ten times or more depending on the yerba used (well-aged yerba mate is typically more potent, and therefore provides a greater number of refills). When one has had their fill of mate, they express as much to the cebador when it is their turn to drink, by simply saying gracias ("thanks") as they receive the mate. In the tradition of mate-drinking, gracias means that this mate accepted will be the last to be drunk, and serves as an acknowledgement of the kindness and kinship offered by the cebador and those with whom one has shared the mate.

This is a simple plain gourd with 4-5 ounce capacity. Since these are natural materials, the Mate shipped may vary slightly in size and shape.

Care Suggestions

The Mate should be cleaned with hot water. Avoid using soap as it will get absorbed into the walls of the Mate and distort the flavor of Yerba. After rinsing it with water, shake well to discard excess water and dry outside with towel. Store in a dry place.