guampa

A guampa is a traditional drinking vessel used in parts of South America, particularly in Paraguay and Argentina, associated with gaucho culture and the yerba mate tradition. It is commonly made from the hollowed horn of cattle (often called a horn cup) or from wood, though metal and ceramic versions also exist. The horn variants are typically polished, sometimes engraved or inlaid with metal decorations, and they may include a handle or metal rim.

Constructed to be held upright while drinking, a guampa is designed to be used with a bombilla, a metal straw with a filter at the end, when used for yerba mate or tereré (the cold version of mate). For beverages such as water, beer, or chicha, the guampa serves as a simple cup without a bombilla. Materials vary by region and maker, but the horn-based form remains the most iconic and is valued for its natural shape and acoustic resonance when tapped or clinked in social settings.

In cultural use, the guampa is closely linked to social rituals of sharing and hospitality. Among gauchos and in Paraguayan and northern Argentine communities, it is common to pass the guampa around the circle as part of a mate or tereré ritual, while in other settings it serves as a durable, decorative drinking vessel. Care and maintenance practices emphasize gentle cleaning and drying, with some horn guampas treated or sealed to preserve their material.

See also: mate, tereré, bombilla, gaucho culture, yerba mate vessels.