Mate Container Item Number: 3482/3 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Small, gourd mate container with stainless steel decoration. Container is bright red-orange and spherical in shape. It has a raised, rounded lip, that slopes into a curved border. Deeply incised line between lip and border. Gourd base is covered in stainless steel, and has a flat, raised foot. Interior of container is rough, covered in dried pith.
Yerba mate is a traditional South American caffeine-rich infused drink, made by soaking dried leaves of the holly species Ilex paraguariensis in hot water. Traditionally served in a calabash gourd container with a silver straw (bombilla) which serves as both a straw and a sieve.