Information About Hammocks

Hammocks have been used for nearly 1,000 years.

Millions of people around the globe use hammocks to rest in. Hammocks are a type of fabric sling used for sleeping and resting. Hammocks usually consist of a panel (wide enough to support the body) of woven material that is suspended between two points by ropes. The ropes of the hammock are often stretched between two trees or posts.

South and Central American History

Hammocks originated in South and Central America where they have been used for nearly 1,000 years. The Mayan Indians of Central America invented the hammock. There is evidence of historic hammock use in the South American countries of Ecuador and Brazil as well as the Central American countries of Mexico, Costa Rica, Guatamala, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Guatemala and Nicaragua. Hammocks were popular items in trading between different Central and South American nations, which spread their popularity throughout the indigenous people.

Introduction to Europe

It was Columbus who introduced the hammock to Europe. He discovered the hammocks being used by the Bahamians for their afternoon siestas. Curious, Columbus collected a selection of hammocks and took them back to Europe. The hammock quickly became popular among the sailors of Britain and France who found it useful, comfortable and space saving at sea. Rather than traditional using Latin American materials, navy hammocks were usually made of lengths of canvas.

Materials

The first material used to make hammocks was the bark of the hamack tree. The sisal plant (similar to the aloe vera plant) later replaced hamack bark. The sisal plant was found to be more durable and abundant. It was also discovered that the leaves of the plant could be beaten to soften the fibers and make the hammock more comfortable. Over the course of history, many materials have been used for hammocks. The modern cotton hammock has only been around for around 60 years.

The American-Style Hammock

The modern American-style hammock is usually made of polypropylene or cotton. This type of hammock does not stretch to encase the body, because the rope is thick and tight. However, it is extremely comfortable and generally more durable than other types of hammock. It is usually hung between two trees or two specially constructed stands.

Mayan-Style Hammocks

Mayan-style hammocks copy the design and style of the earliest Mayan Indian hammocks. They are now widely available around the world. Mayan-style hammocks are made with very thin fabric so, unlike the American-style hammock, they mold to the body and are extremely comfortable. Many people use Mayan-style hammocks as a primary bed. Unlike many modern hammock designs which use wooden bars to spread out and support the supportive material, the Mayan hammock is made solely of thinly woven material.

References

• Ecomail: History of Hammocks
• Hammock: History of the Hammock

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish