How to Make a Mayan Hammock

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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The hammock probably originated in the Caribbean and was widespread throughout the Yucatan peninsula by the 13th century. Christopher Columbus introduced hammocks to Europe where they became popular during the 17th century, especially in Spain. Hammocks are still made in the traditional manner on collectives throughout the Yucatan peninsula. The following steps will outline the manufacture of a Mayan hammock.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Step1

Make a Mayan hammock on a vertical loom by hand. The earliest hammocks were made from the bark of the Hamack tree, hence the name "hammock." This material was later replaced by the Sisal plant because of its greater abundance.

Step2

Use a string construction. Mayan and Nicaraguan hammocks are made with separate strings while a Brazilian hammock is an example of a cloth hammock. String hammocks can be more comfortable while cloth hammocks tend to be stronger.

Step3

Select the most common modern materials. Today, Mayan hammocks are made from cotton or nylon. The Mayan hammock is similar to a Nicaraguan hammock but uses a looser weave. The number of strings and the weave will determine how supportive the net is.

Step4

Choose cotton for softer, more comfortable fit or nylon for greater durability.

Step5

Eliminate the use of the spreader bar. This allows the Mayan hammock to be used in places where a rope hammock would not fit. A Mayan hammock is the most comfortable style but requires the lounger to lie diagonally if they do wish the hammock to close around them.