For Argentines, sharing mate is more than a habit — it’s a ritual that connects friends, family, and memories of home.
This 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.

Elegant, durable, and handcrafted, it offers a classic mate experience rooted in Argentine culture.

The 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.

Each 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.

The exterior is wrapped in genuine brown cowhide leather, which protects the gourd while offering a comfortable grip and a refined traditional look. The top edge features a hand-chiseled alpaca and steel rim (virola) that reinforces the structure and adds an elegant decorative finish.

The base includes alpaca reinforcement with bronze stabilizing beads and four stitched legs, helping the mate stand securely while maintaining the iconic imperial style.

This premium version also includes a handcrafted alpaca bombilla, 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 premium upgrade over stainless steel.

Because every mate is made with natural materials and finished by hand, each piece is unique, with subtle variations in the leather, gourd shape, and decorative guard patterns.

HANDMADE ARGENTINE CRAFTSMANSHIP – Artisan imperial mate gourd crafted in Argentina using traditional methods.
NATURAL CALABASH GOURD – Authentic interior material traditionally used for drinking mate.
GENUINE LEATHER EXTERIOR – Brown cowhide leather protects the gourd and provides a comfortable grip.
•ALPACA AND STEEL RIM – Hand-chiseled decorative virola adds durability and traditional elegance.
•PREMIUM ALPACA BOMBILLA – Curved “pico de loro” straw made from alpaca alloy with traditional filtration system.
IMPERIAL STYLE DESIGN – Wide-mouth shape ideal for preparing and enjoying mate.
UNIQUE ARTISAN PIECE – Natural variations make every mate one of a kind.

This mate set is ideal for:

• Argentines living abroad who want an authentic mate ritual
• Mate enthusiasts seeking a traditional imperial-style gourd
• Collectors of handcrafted Argentine products
• People discovering mate culture for the first time
• Anyone looking for a premium Argentine gift

Before First Use – Curing the Mate

Natural gourd mates require a simple curing process.

1. Fill the mate with used yerba mate or warm water.
2. Let it rest for 24 hours.
3. Repeat the process 2–3 times.
4. Rinse gently and allow it to dry completely.

Preparing Mate

1. Fill the gourd about two-thirds full with yerba mate.
2. Tilt the mate and add a small amount of warm water.
3. Insert the bombilla into the moist side.
4. Pour hot water (70–80°C / 158–176°F) and enjoy multiple pours.

Product Type: Imperial mate gourd set
Origin: Handmade in Argentina

Mate Materials

Interior: Natural calabash gourd
Exterior: Genuine brown cowhide leather
Rim (Virola): Hand-chiseled alpaca and steel
Base: Alpaca reinforcement with bronze beads
Structure: Four reinforced stitched legs
Capacity: Approximately 250–320 ml
Weight: Approximately 350–450 g (varies due to natural materials)

Included in the Set

• 1 Imperial leather mate gourd
• 1 Premium alpaca bombilla (pico de loro design)

Bombilla Specifications

Material: Alpaca alloy (copper, zinc, nickel)
Length: Approximately 20–22 cm
Design: Curved pico de loro with traditional filtration system

Note: As a handmade product using natural materials, slight variations in size, leather texture, and decorative guard patterns may occur.