Mayan hammocks are bright, hand made hammocks rated as the most comfortable hammocks in the world. They are a little different from other types of garden hammocks in their style of hanging and they also have a low center of gravity, which makes the hammock experience more relaxing. The thin fibres used for weaving give them the appearance of delicacy but in actual fact they are quite sturdy and durable. Mayan hammocks are hand woven in the Yucatan Peninsula and Quintana Roo in Mexico. Merida is called the hammock capital of Mexico, and 60% of the area is devoted to hammock weaving production. This area has villages full of skilled artisans, mostly women, who weave these hammocks using generations’ old techniques, with vertical rather than horizontal looms. The woven fabric can stretch upto two miles, and remains soft and smooth to touch. While being shaped into hammocks, additional attractions include fringes with beads and knots to enhance the beauty of the colorful fabric .It is a major source of livelihood for the rural folk of the region. The weaving helps the hammock to cushion any body shape and provide total comfort.
The Mayan region was part of the Mexico of today. Long ago the Mayans were conquered and were made part of Mexico and the Spanish Mexican culture by the Europeans who led the invasion. The traditional art of weaving Mayan hammocks was picked up by the Mexicans and the new products were called Mexican hammocks. Mayan hammocks would still be hand woven in the Yucatan region while Mexican ones could be made anywhere, even by Europeans, but with the same technique. Both, coming out of the same country, are called Mexican hammocks.
Often, a diamond weave is adopted for weaving these hammocks. The intertwined sprang weaving pattern is unique to the Yucatan region, and each craftsman leaves his/her fingerprint on her creation. This differentiates the hammocks from machine made ones, as no two hammocks can be identical. Sprang weaving is the art of inter-locking parallel cords to produce very strong fabric. The width is fixed and the length goes on increasing. Not using a loom, the weaving can be done between two trees. This also allows the air to circulate and penetrate from below, enhancing the fresh and cool feeling. Without being aided by a spreader bar the hammocks are designed to take the shape of the body reclining in them. They fit in places where rope hammocks cannot be accommodated.
The use of nylon thread improves the strength and durability of the hammock. These are recommended for outdoors, while pure cotton ones are ideal for indoor fitting. Mayan hammocks come in various sizes and are extremely safe for babies as well. Thick string hammocks are suitable for patios and terraces. Framed hammocks enhance portability and can be placed anywhere. Hammock chairs provide comfort to the occupant and elegance to the area where they are hung.
The nylon Mayan hammocks are ideal for trekkers and back packers, mountain climbers and campers, who need light, compact hammocks. They are strong enough to hold huge amounts of weight without giving way. These open style hammocks can even be used for storage and hung from the ceiling when running out of floor space.
It is easy to find Mexican or Mayan hammocks in retail outlets or on multiple online stores and websites, which give freebies, multiple choices, guarantees, and even home deliver them. Colors, sizes and designs can be selected while placing the order, and the sites also accommodate special requests for specifications to customize hammocks. The Mayan hammock is the answer to everyone’s need for comfort.