Mayan Hammocks
The Mayan hammock is believed to date to over 3,000 years ago, and is widely recognized as the first hammock developed. Considering everything else the Mayans developed, it is not surprising that they also developed a convenient, portable and versatile bed.
The Mayan hammock was the first bed to move the sleeper off the floor, where he or she was protected from snakes, animals and other things that crawl around on the ground. Being off the ground also meant staying cleaner and drier, and avoiding anything else that might be on the floor. Plus, it meant that the air could circulate around the sleeper and keep him cooler than sleeping on the ground.
Mayan hammocks are still created by Mayan descendents, and make not only wonderful and relaxing beds, but also amazing souvenirs of the area and gifts for friends and family. The best Mayan hammocks are made of cotton in the Yucatan province of Mexico. These hammocks contain over one mile of cotton each, and conform wonderfully to the body.
Mayan hammocks do not have a spreader bar, so they form-fit to your body for added comfort, and they are very easy to transport and store. You can take a Mayan hammock on a backpacking trip or a car trip, and they make a great spare bed or decorative furniture. They’re excellent for both indoors and out, and very durable. Setting up your Mayan hammock is as easy as attaching the ropes to hooks anchored in the wall studs or ceiling beams.
In choosing a hammock, you should consider what size you want. If it’s just for you, you’ll do fine with a single; if you want a couple-sized, you’re looking for at least a matrimonial or queen-sized hammock, and if it’s for the whole family, you should get a king-sized hammock.
Mayan hammocks come in amazingly varied and vibrant colors, so you’ll probably have a hard time choosing which one you want, because they’re all so beautiful. You can no doubt find at least one that perfectly fits your style. Keep in mind that when outdoors, these hammocks will fade, like a pair of jeans, but will retain its beauty.
Cotton can mildew if it gets wet; however, cotton hammocks dry very quickly if left spread out. The best way to avoid mildew is to not store it if it’s even a little damp; let it dry naturally and then put it away dry.
Buying a woven cotton Mayan hammock will give you a souvenir if you’ve been to Mexico, give you an inviting and relaxing place to relax and spend time, and add to your deck or indoor décor, as well as giving you an extra bed and a place for the kids to sleep if you have guests over. If you’re looking for a beautiful and functional hammock, you should definitely give some thought to buying a Mayan hammock. They’re hard to beat when it comes to not only beauty and quality, but also price.