Coca-Leaf Box
Unknown Artist
1 of 4
Object Label
VESSELS FOR SERVING TEA AND YERBA MATÉ
The drinks served in the Spanish American estrado varied from region to region. In South America coca-leaf teas and yerba maté, a tea-like beverage made from the dried leaves of a mild stimulant, were favored. Indispensable for preparing and serving these drinks were boxes and tea caddies for the herbs, silver water heaters called pavas, silver filtering straws called bombillas, and silver maté cups. The shapes of these maté cups reflect those of local gourds, which were originally used to serve the beverage.
The drinks served in the Spanish American estrado varied from region to region. In South America coca-leaf teas and yerba maté, a tea-like beverage made from the dried leaves of a mild stimulant, were favored. Indispensable for preparing and serving these drinks were boxes and tea caddies for the herbs, silver water heaters called pavas, silver filtering straws called bombillas, and silver maté cups. The shapes of these maté cups reflect those of local gourds, which were originally used to serve the beverage.
Caption
Unknown Artist. Coca-Leaf Box, 18th century. Wood with wood inlays, metal, and cloth, 5 1/2 x 7 1/8 x 8 7/8in. (14 x 18.1 x 22.5cm). Brooklyn Museum, Museum Expedition 1941, Frank L. Babbott Fund, 41.1275.7. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)
Collection
Collection
Artist
Title
Coca-Leaf Box
Date
18th century
Medium
Wood with wood inlays, metal, and cloth
Classification
Dimensions
5 1/2 x 7 1/8 x 8 7/8in. (14 x 18.1 x 22.5cm)
Credit Line
Museum Expedition 1941, Frank L. Babbott Fund
Accession Number
41.1275.7
Have information?
Have information about an artwork? Contact us at