South America

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

An Argentine tea cup, called a mate (pronounced MAH-tay), is a specialized gourd used for drinking yerba mate, often paired with a metal straw known as a bombilla. Commonly made from Calabash gourd, wood, or modern stainless steel/leather, these cups hold the caffeinated, herbal brew while serving as a cultural symbol of friendship.