Mate Container Item Number: 3482/5 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Small, gourd mate container with engraved decorations. Container is dark brown and pear-shaped. It has a raised, rounded lip, made of stainless steel. Large circle carved on front of container, with a thick border. "Gabriel" written inside of circle, at an angle and in stylized writing. Band, trimmed with two thin lines, extends from circle and wraps around middle of container body. Inside the band are designs of hills, trees, houses and abstract clouds. All designs are naturally coloured orange-brown. 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.
Inscription is an attempt at "fileteado," a style of handwriting common in Argentina.