What-is-it question LXXIII.

[2209patrick]

These items all serve the same purpose. Others may vary in design.
This type of item dates back at least to the early 19th century, possibly even the 18th century. It is not American or British.
They are generally about 8 inches (20.32 cm.) long.

What were they used for and where?




Pat.
.

[Waylander]

I forget the exact name Pat but I think they are those South American cocoa (?) drinking straws......

Waylander
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[2209patrick]

Hello Waylander.

Yes, they are South American drinking straws, but they are not meant for cocoa.

Looking fot their name, the name of the cup they were used with, and the name of the drink.

Here's a picture of the cup (they varied widely in shape & designs).
This cup is from Peru, late 18th or early 19th century.



Pat.
.

[Granmaa]

I've seen these called mate straws or bombillas and were used to drink mate from gourds or guampas.
I always thought the English hallmarked versions were for invalids to drink tea with.

Miles
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[2209patrick]

Hello Miles.
Yes, the straws are called bombillas and the vessel is a mate cup.
The cups originally were dried and decorated gourds.
Later, many silver cups were produced with and without gourds.

The tea is called Yerba Mate. Very popular in all of South America.
First introduced by the Guarani Indians as a medicinal drink.

Pat.
.