Mate Container Item Number: 3482/6 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Small, gourd mate container with dyed decorations. Container is dark yellow-brown, squat and circular in shape. Large floral motifs, done in dark orange, cover the entire left and right sides. Dark brown dots in the centre of each petal. Remnants of the gourd stem and style act as the flower centres. Additional dark brown dots around the floral motifs, in the space between the petals. 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.