Mayan Hammock

History of the Mayan Hammock

The ancient Mayan people truly knew how to work hard and how to relax with equal enthusiasm. Perhaps no better evidence of just how much the Mayans enjoyed comfort than the Mayan Hammock itself.

For well over a thousand years, the Mayan hammock served many purposes. One of its most basic uses was as a bed. Rather than sleeping on surfaces cushioned by straw or other vegetation and covered with some sort of woven cloth, the Mayans opted for the benefits of sleeping in the hammock. The slight side to side motion that one experiences when sleeping in a hammock certainly was one big plus to getting a good night's rest.  Along with the lulling motion, the Mayan hammock also provided excellent lower back support, which also translated into less back problems and a lack of stiffness upon awakening in the morning. Both of these benefits meant a lot in a culture that prided itself on the creativity of its people.

Another great advantage of the hammock is that it kept the sleeper out of touch with the ground. In an era when homes were not sealed and the extermination of bugs and insects was not commonplace, the hammock provided some degree of protection from anything that might slither or crawl into the home while its occupants slept. 

Sleep was not the only major use of the hammock. Just as modern day beds allow for a comfortable environment in which couples may conceive children, the hammock also was woven in such a way that it was idea for promoting conception. In like manner, the hammock was ideal for childbirth, allowing midwives and other female relatives to gather around the mother to be and offer assistance from every angle. 

Unique to the Mayan hammock style is a unique weave that allows the material to stretch vertically and horizontally to meet changing demands. This ability to stretch was perfect to accommodate someone in the usual movements of sleep as well as with other activities. In spite of the ability to stretch greatly and support a great deal of weight, a Mayan hammock can fold down to the size of a standard bed pillow, allowing for very easy transportation.

When it comes to hammocks, no one has ever been able to do a better job than the Mayans. Perfected through thousands of years, the Mayan hammock remains as evidence of the incredible creativity and artistic strength of these ancients.

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