The Artbehind the Mate
We do what we love
We master leatherwork and care for every stage of the process: wrapping, piercing and hand stitching. This is how we create firm, durable mates with a character of their own.
Our process begins with mastery of leather, a craft we have refined over many years.
In our family workshop, every mate passes through different hands, from wrapping the gourd to piercing and hand stitching. Every piece is finished with attention to the smallest detail.
Over 30 yearscreating traditionGeneration after generation
We began in Paysandú with the Ortiz family. After expanding to Argentina and renewing our identity in 2019, MateArte was born: two workshops, one tradition, and pieces that now travel around the world.
It all began in Paysandú, Uruguay, with the Ortiz family. Today, with a presence in Uruguay and Argentina, our products reach both countries and destinations around the world.
Read our full storyCHOOSE YOUR PIECE
Unique mates and pieces created with passion, quality and heritage
Custom mates
Laser engraving, premium hand chasing, bronze appliqués, initials and crests. Customization begins with an idea and is developed together with MateArte.
Customize my mateThe Mate of Champions
We create custom pieces for AFA, AUF and football figures who now share our tradition.
The quality and customization of our pieces opened the doors to the football world: AFA, AUF and players who now share our tradition.
Darwin Núñez
Federico Valverde
José M. Giménez
The origin of the “Mate Imperial”
The creators of a name known around the world
It began during Richard's trip to Rivera, where a distinctive handcrafted metal rim sparked an idea. The design was a success, but it still had no name. Then came a suggestion: “Mate Imperial”.
A design born in Uruguay became one of the world's most recognizable and sought-after leather-wrapped gourd mates.
A culturemade to be shared
Mate crosses generations, pauses and conversations. MateArte expresses its connection with Uruguay Natural through a craft born and grown in Uruguay.
Visit us
25 de Mayo 1734 · Paysandú, Uruguay
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From Paysandú to Uruguay and the world. Ask our team about options and delivery times.
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