Friday Finds...Mate` pot & Bombilla

On a recent trip a local Antique market, I came across this exquisite piece. It was a tiny gourd, scopped out and dried, and then decorated with silver. It came with an equally beautiful silver straw with a unique filter at one end. Although I have seen use of scooped out gourds as kitchen and decor accessories, I was fascinated by this pot like piece and decided to feature it as a Friday find. The gourd part is called the Mate pot and the straw is called Bombilla...:)

pic: wiki

Here is how the straws look...beautiful isnt it!!

Pic: timepassagesnostalgia.com

I saw a few pieces with really elaborate work and carving, both the pot and the straw...sigh!!

stylehive.com

mexicowoods.com

Bombilla!!

silvercollection.it

This pot is a classic South American pot /cup  used to serve a special drink called Yerba-Mate.(read more on wiki)...Yerba Mate is a traditional South American drink made by infusing leaves and twigs of a yerba mate plant. From what I read about Mate, I understand it is like our traditional Indian Chai and is said to be a drink enjoyed with friends. (nice!!)..The dealer also mentioned that people in South American countries still prefer to be served this mate and pref in a mate pot. Cool isnt it!!

Read more about this beautiful piece of South American cultural heritage >>here