– Matecitos –

Endangered Birds.

.

.

Embracing the natural world and traditions of Helen’s second home, Argentina, she created this range of “mates“, combining hand-painted illustrations of native birds with one of Argentina’s deepest-rooted traditions.

“Mate” (pronounced mat-A), is a drink and custom originating in South America with deep roots in Guaraní culture and traditions. Drinking mate is often a synonym of companionship and sharing, sometimes with friends and family, and sometimes with one’s self and surroundings – with nature and the elements. A mate is more than just a drink, it is a moment. It is a memory waiting to be made.

Mate is an infusion of yerba mate leaves prepared in a special cup-like recipient. The mate recipient is traditionally made from a hollowed out gourd or hardwood, as is the case with Helen’s “Matecitos” (which translates as “little mates“), which are made from hand-turned Algarrobo wood. The mate is then drunk though a special filtered straw called a bombilla, which lets the infusion though whist blocking the finely cut yerba mate leaves.

The Matecitos – Endangered Birds collection includes five species supported through active conservation projects run by Aves Argentinas NGO, Birdlife International Partners in Argentina.

1.

The Hooded Grebe.

.

Available from the Aves Argentinas EcoTienda.

To find out more about Aves Argentinas’ work to save the Hooded Grebe click here! (Change the language to English at the bottom right of the page)

.

2.

The Pampas Meadowlark

.

Available from the Aves Argentinas EcoTienda.

To find out more about Aves Argentinas’ work to save the Pampas Meadowlark click here! (Change the language to English at the bottom right of the page)

.

3.

The Yellow Cardinal.

.

Available from the Aves Argentinas EcoTienda.

To find out more about Aves Argentinas’ work to save the Yellow Cardinal click here! (Change the language to English at the bottom right of the page)

.

4.

The Saffron-Cowled Blackbird.

.

Available from the Aves Argentinas EcoTienda.

To find out more about Aves Argentinas’ work to save the Saffron-Cowled Blackbird click here! (Change the language to English at the bottom right of the page)

.

5.

The Blue-Winged Macaw.

.

Available from the Aves Argentinas EcoTienda.

To find out more about Aves Argentinas’ work to save the Blue-Winged Macaw click here! (Change the language to English at the bottom right of the page)