{"product_id":"imperial-leather-mate-with-alpaca-bombilla","title":"Imperial Brown Leather Mate Gourd with Alpaca \u0026 Steel Rim + Premium Alpaca Bombilla | Handmade Argentine Mate Set","description":"\u003cp data-end=\"543\" data-start=\"196\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFor Argentines, sharing mate is more than a habit — it’s a ritual that connects friends, family, and memories of home.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"321\" data-start=\"318\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis Imperial Brown Leather Mate with Premium Alpaca Bombilla captures that tradition through authentic Argentine craftsmanship, combining natural materials and timeless design into a mate set made for the true ritual.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eElegant, durable, and handcrafted, it offers a classic mate experience rooted in Argentine culture.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe Imperial Mate Gourd is one of the most recognized and traditional mate styles used in Argentina. Its wide-mouth shape, balanced design, and artisanal details make it a favorite among experienced mate drinkers and collectors.\u003cbr\u003eEach piece is handmade in Argentina, crafted using traditional techniques and carefully selected natural materials. The interior is made from natural calabash gourd, the classic material historically used for drinking mate. Over time, the gourd naturally develops character and enhances the flavor of the infusion.\u003cbr\u003eThe exterior is wrapped in \u003cstrong data-end=\"1306\" data-start=\"1273\"\u003egenuine brown cowhide leather\u003c\/strong\u003e, which protects the gourd while offering a comfortable grip and a refined traditional look. The top edge features a \u003cstrong data-end=\"1470\" data-start=\"1423\"\u003ehand-chiseled alpaca and steel rim (virola)\u003c\/strong\u003e that reinforces the structure and adds an elegant decorative finish.\u003cbr\u003eThe base includes \u003cstrong data-end=\"1636\" data-start=\"1559\"\u003ealpaca reinforcement with bronze stabilizing beads and four stitched legs\u003c\/strong\u003e, helping the mate stand securely while maintaining the iconic imperial style.\u003cbr\u003eThis premium version also includes a \u003cstrong data-end=\"1784\" data-start=\"1753\"\u003ehandcrafted alpaca bombilla\u003c\/strong\u003e, a traditional curved “pico de loro” mate straw made from alpaca alloy (copper, zinc, and nickel). Known for its durability, excellent heat conduction, and traditional aesthetic, alpaca bombillas are considered a \u003cstrong data-end=\"2038\" data-start=\"1998\"\u003epremium upgrade over stainless steel\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003cbr\u003eBecause every mate is made with natural materials and finished by hand, \u003cstrong data-end=\"2137\" data-start=\"2113\"\u003eeach piece is unique\u003c\/strong\u003e, with subtle variations in the leather, gourd shape, and decorative guard patterns.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2968\" data-start=\"2249\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2287\" data-start=\"2251\"\u003eHANDMADE ARGENTINE CRAFTSMANSHIP\u003c\/strong\u003e – Artisan imperial mate gourd crafted in Argentina using traditional methods.\u003cbr data-end=\"2368\" data-start=\"2365\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2396\" data-start=\"2370\"\u003eNATURAL CALABASH GOURD\u003c\/strong\u003e – Authentic interior material traditionally used for drinking mate.\u003cbr data-end=\"2467\" data-start=\"2464\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2497\" data-start=\"2469\"\u003eGENUINE LEATHER EXTERIOR\u003c\/strong\u003e – Brown cowhide leather protects the gourd and provides a comfortable grip.\u003cbr data-end=\"2576\" data-start=\"2573\"\u003e•\u003cstrong data-end=\"2602\" data-start=\"2578\"\u003eALPACA AND STEEL RIM\u003c\/strong\u003e – Hand-chiseled decorative virola adds durability and traditional elegance.\u003cbr data-end=\"2681\" data-start=\"2678\"\u003e•\u003cstrong data-end=\"2710\" data-start=\"2683\"\u003ePREMIUM ALPACA BOMBILLA\u003c\/strong\u003e – Curved “pico de loro” straw made from alpaca alloy with traditional filtration system.\u003cbr data-end=\"2802\" data-start=\"2799\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2829\" data-start=\"2804\"\u003eIMPERIAL STYLE DESIGN\u003c\/strong\u003e – Wide-mouth shape ideal for preparing and enjoying mate.\u003cbr data-end=\"2890\" data-start=\"2887\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2916\" data-start=\"2892\"\u003eUNIQUE ARTISAN PIECE\u003c\/strong\u003e – Natural variations make every mate one of a kind.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3027\" data-start=\"3000\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs ideal for:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e• Argentines living abroad who want an authentic mate ritual\u003cbr data-end=\"3092\" data-start=\"3089\"\u003e• Mate enthusiasts seeking a traditional imperial-style gourd\u003cbr data-end=\"3156\" data-start=\"3153\"\u003e• Collectors of handcrafted Argentine products\u003cbr data-end=\"3205\" data-start=\"3202\"\u003e• People discovering mate culture for the first time\u003cbr data-end=\"3260\" data-start=\"3257\"\u003e• Anyone looking for a premium Argentine gift\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3380\" data-start=\"3342\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"3380\" data-start=\"3342\"\u003eBefore First Use – Curing the Mate\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eNatural gourd mates require a simple curing process.\u003cbr\u003eFill the mate with used yerba mate or warm water.\u003cbr\u003eLet it rest for \u003cstrong data-end=\"3522\" data-start=\"3510\"\u003e24 hours\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003cbr\u003eRepeat the process \u003cstrong data-end=\"3561\" data-start=\"3548\"\u003e2–3 times\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003cbr\u003eRinse gently and allow it to dry completely.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3632\" data-start=\"3614\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"3632\" data-start=\"3614\"\u003ePreparing Mate\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eFill the gourd \u003cstrong data-end=\"3677\" data-start=\"3652\"\u003eabout two-thirds full\u003c\/strong\u003e with yerba mate.\u003cbr\u003eTilt the mate and add a small amount of warm water.\u003cbr\u003eInsert the \u003cstrong data-end=\"3780\" data-start=\"3768\"\u003ebombilla\u003c\/strong\u003e into the moist side.\u003cbr\u003ePour hot water (70–80°C \/ 158–176°F) and enjoy multiple pours.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3986\" data-start=\"3907\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"3924\" data-start=\"3907\"\u003eProduct Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Imperial mate gourd set\u003cbr data-end=\"3951\" data-start=\"3948\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"3962\" data-start=\"3951\"\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Handmade in Argentina\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"4358\" data-start=\"4335\"\u003eIncluded in the Set\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e• 1 Imperial leather mate gourd\u003cbr data-end=\"4394\" data-start=\"4391\"\u003e• 1 Premium alpaca bombilla (pico de loro design)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"4472\" data-start=\"4445\"\u003eBombilla Specifications\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eMaterial: Alpaca alloy (copper, zinc, nickel)\u003cbr data-end=\"4522\" data-start=\"4519\"\u003eLength: Approximately 20–22 cm\u003cbr data-end=\"4555\" data-start=\"4552\"\u003eDesign: Curved pico de loro with traditional filtration system\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"4758\" data-start=\"4619\"\u003e\u003cem data-end=\"4758\" data-start=\"4619\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote: \u003c\/strong\u003eAs a handmade product using natural materials, slight variations in size, leather texture, and decorative guard patterns both in the maate gourd and bombilla (straw) may occur.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"The Argentino","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43823863922863,"sku":"PAK-001-285-00700","price":139.44,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0562\/8008\/8751\/products\/ImperialOriginalMarronBombilla.jpg?v=1753911248","url":"https:\/\/theargentino.com\/en-au\/products\/imperial-leather-mate-with-alpaca-bombilla","provider":"The Argentino","version":"1.0","type":"link"}