In 1776, the Spanish government established Buenos Aires as a free port and the capital of a viceroyalty (colonial territory) that included present-day Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Bolivia. From this area, Greater Argentina came to include all the Rio de la Plata (silver river) countries. This collection of silver objects, brought here from Argentina to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the independence of the United States, typifies the outstanding cultural and social aspects of Argentine life during the 18th and 19th centuries. It also represents the degree of achievement and sophistication acquired by Argentina 200 years ago. This catalog offers some historical background surrounding the manufacture of silver objects in Argentina and the uses of silver pieces, including mates and incense burners. A large part of the exhibition, from the Isaac Fernandez Blanco Museum (Buenos Aires), consists of creatively designed mates, used for drinking special tea; sahumadores (incense burners) and other household items; and elaborate religious objects including Bible stands and chrismal containers. A selection from the Jose Hernandez Museum (also of Buenos Aires) features silver pieces used as apparel for the guacho (nomadic herdsman): spurs, bridal chains, belts, and daggars.