{"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-start=\"196\" data-end=\"543\"\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-start=\"318\" data-end=\"321\"\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.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"545\" data-end=\"648\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eElegant, durable, and handcrafted, it offers a classic mate experience rooted in Argentine culture.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"684\" data-end=\"920\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong data-start=\"688\" data-end=\"711\"\u003eImperial Mate Gourd\u003c\/strong\u003e is one of the most recognized and traditional mate styles used in Argentina. Its \u003cstrong data-start=\"793\" data-end=\"853\"\u003ewide-mouth shape, balanced design, and artisanal details\u003c\/strong\u003e make it a favorite among experienced mate drinkers and collectors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"922\" data-end=\"1244\"\u003eEach piece is \u003cstrong data-start=\"936\" data-end=\"961\"\u003ehandmade in Argentina\u003c\/strong\u003e, crafted using traditional techniques and carefully selected natural materials. The interior is made from \u003cstrong data-start=\"1068\" data-end=\"1094\"\u003enatural calabash gourd\u003c\/strong\u003e, the classic material historically used for drinking mate. Over time, the gourd naturally develops character and enhances the flavor of the infusion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1246\" data-end=\"1539\"\u003eThe exterior is wrapped in \u003cstrong data-start=\"1273\" data-end=\"1306\"\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-start=\"1423\" data-end=\"1470\"\u003ehand-chiseled alpaca and steel rim (virola)\u003c\/strong\u003e that reinforces the structure and adds an elegant decorative finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1541\" data-end=\"1714\"\u003eThe base includes \u003cstrong data-start=\"1559\" data-end=\"1636\"\u003ealpaca reinforcement with bronze stabilizing beads and four stitched legs\u003c\/strong\u003e, helping the mate stand securely while maintaining the iconic imperial style.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1716\" data-end=\"2039\"\u003eThis premium version also includes a \u003cstrong data-start=\"1753\" data-end=\"1784\"\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-start=\"1998\" data-end=\"2038\"\u003epremium upgrade over stainless steel\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2041\" data-end=\"2221\"\u003eBecause every mate is made with natural materials and finished by hand, \u003cstrong data-start=\"2113\" data-end=\"2137\"\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-start=\"2249\" data-end=\"2968\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2251\" data-end=\"2287\"\u003eHANDMADE ARGENTINE CRAFTSMANSHIP\u003c\/strong\u003e – Artisan imperial mate gourd crafted in Argentina using traditional methods.\u003cbr data-start=\"2365\" data-end=\"2368\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2370\" data-end=\"2396\"\u003eNATURAL CALABASH GOURD\u003c\/strong\u003e – Authentic interior material traditionally used for drinking mate.\u003cbr data-start=\"2464\" data-end=\"2467\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2469\" data-end=\"2497\"\u003eGENUINE LEATHER EXTERIOR\u003c\/strong\u003e – Brown cowhide leather protects the gourd and provides a comfortable grip.\u003cbr data-start=\"2573\" data-end=\"2576\"\u003e•\u003cstrong data-start=\"2578\" data-end=\"2602\"\u003eALPACA AND STEEL RIM\u003c\/strong\u003e – Hand-chiseled decorative virola adds durability and traditional elegance.\u003cbr data-start=\"2678\" data-end=\"2681\"\u003e•\u003cstrong data-start=\"2683\" data-end=\"2710\"\u003ePREMIUM ALPACA BOMBILLA\u003c\/strong\u003e – Curved “pico de loro” straw made from alpaca alloy with traditional filtration system.\u003cbr data-start=\"2799\" data-end=\"2802\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2804\" data-end=\"2829\"\u003eIMPERIAL STYLE DESIGN\u003c\/strong\u003e – Wide-mouth shape ideal for preparing and enjoying mate.\u003cbr data-start=\"2887\" data-end=\"2890\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2892\" data-end=\"2916\"\u003eUNIQUE ARTISAN PIECE\u003c\/strong\u003e – Natural variations make every mate one of a kind.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3000\" data-end=\"3027\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis mate set is ideal for:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3029\" data-end=\"3305\"\u003e• Argentines living abroad who want an authentic mate ritual\u003cbr data-start=\"3089\" data-end=\"3092\"\u003e• Mate enthusiasts seeking a traditional imperial-style gourd\u003cbr data-start=\"3153\" data-end=\"3156\"\u003e• Collectors of handcrafted Argentine products\u003cbr data-start=\"3202\" data-end=\"3205\"\u003e• People discovering mate culture for the first time\u003cbr data-start=\"3257\" data-end=\"3260\"\u003e• Anyone looking for a premium Argentine gift\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3342\" data-end=\"3380\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3342\" data-end=\"3380\"\u003eBefore First Use – Curing the Mate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3382\" data-end=\"3434\"\u003eNatural gourd mates require a simple curing process.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3439\" data-end=\"3490\"\u003eFill the mate with used yerba mate or warm water.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3494\" data-end=\"3525\"\u003eLet it rest for \u003cstrong data-start=\"3510\" data-end=\"3522\"\u003e24 hours\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3529\" data-end=\"3564\"\u003eRepeat the process \u003cstrong data-start=\"3548\" data-end=\"3561\"\u003e2–3 times\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3568\" data-end=\"3612\"\u003eRinse gently and allow it to dry completely.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3614\" data-end=\"3632\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3614\" data-end=\"3632\"\u003ePreparing Mate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3637\" data-end=\"3696\"\u003eFill the gourd \u003cstrong data-start=\"3652\" data-end=\"3677\"\u003eabout two-thirds full\u003c\/strong\u003e with yerba mate.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3700\" data-end=\"3753\"\u003eTilt the mate and add a small amount of warm water.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3757\" data-end=\"3803\"\u003eInsert the \u003cstrong data-start=\"3768\" data-end=\"3780\"\u003ebombilla\u003c\/strong\u003e into the moist side.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3807\" data-end=\"3869\"\u003ePour hot water (70–80°C \/ 158–176°F) and enjoy multiple pours.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3907\" data-end=\"3986\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3907\" data-end=\"3924\"\u003eProduct Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Imperial mate gourd set\u003cbr data-start=\"3948\" data-end=\"3951\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3951\" data-end=\"3962\"\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Handmade in Argentina\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3988\" data-end=\"4006\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3988\" data-end=\"4006\"\u003eMate Materials\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4008\" data-end=\"4221\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInterior: \u003c\/strong\u003eNatural calabash gourd\u003cbr data-start=\"4040\" data-end=\"4043\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExterior: \u003c\/strong\u003eGenuine brown cowhide leather\u003cbr data-start=\"4082\" data-end=\"4085\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRim (Virola): \u003c\/strong\u003eHand-chiseled alpaca and steel\u003cbr data-start=\"4129\" data-end=\"4132\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBase: \u003c\/strong\u003eAlpaca reinforcement with bronze beads\u003cbr data-start=\"4176\" data-end=\"4179\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStructure: \u003c\/strong\u003eFour reinforced stitched legs\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"4223\" data-end=\"4236\"\u003eCapacity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 250–320 ml\u003cbr data-start=\"4261\" data-end=\"4264\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"4264\" data-end=\"4275\"\u003eWeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 350–450 g (varies due to natural materials)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"4335\" data-end=\"4358\"\u003eIncluded in the Set\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• 1 Imperial leather mate gourd\u003cbr data-start=\"4391\" data-end=\"4394\"\u003e• 1 Premium alpaca bombilla (pico de loro design)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4445\" data-end=\"4472\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"4445\" data-end=\"4472\"\u003eBombilla Specifications\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4474\" data-end=\"4617\"\u003eMaterial: Alpaca alloy (copper, zinc, nickel)\u003cbr data-start=\"4519\" data-end=\"4522\"\u003eLength: Approximately 20–22 cm\u003cbr data-start=\"4552\" data-end=\"4555\"\u003eDesign: Curved pico de loro with traditional filtration system\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4619\" data-end=\"4758\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"4619\" data-end=\"4758\"\u003eNote: As a handmade product using natural materials, slight variations in size, leather texture, and decorative guard patterns 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":168.2,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0562\/8008\/8751\/products\/ImperialOriginalMarronBombilla.jpg?v=1753911248","url":"https:\/\/theargentino.com\/en-nz\/products\/imperial-leather-mate-with-alpaca-bombilla","provider":"The Argentino","version":"1.0","type":"link"}