History
Hammocks have been around for about 1000 years. The indigenous people of Central and South America, probably the Mayans, designed a web-like hammock that is still in use today , and considered the most ingenious and comfortable of all hammocks. The earliest hammocks were woven from the bark of the Hamack tree. Later, the Sisal plant replaced the Hamack bark, because it was more abundant. The use of cotton in hammocks is a relatively new, having been adopted only in the past fifty or so years.
In addition to developing the Mayan Calendar, building pyramids and temples, creating a unique writing system and being accomplished astronomers and mathematicians the Mayans were master traders. Their trade routes they established connected many of the Indian nations of Central and South America.The hammock naturally found its way into the heart and home of millions of natives. Soon hammocks were being made from indigenous fabrics and materials, resulting in a multitude of styles which have evolved to the classic cloth/fabric hammock, typical of Brazil, and cord and rope hammocks found today.
The Hammock Arrives in Europe
After Columbus arrived in the Americas, he decided to take hammocks back to Europe with him. Soon European sailors, particularly the British and the French, were using hammocks for sleeping at sea. The Europeans generally utilized canvas cloth for their hammocks. These naval hammocks, unlike their predecessors, were small, sweaty, and cramped – each sailor was allowed about 4 inches in width. During battle hammocks were rolled into tight bundles and jammed into racks on the ship’s gunwales as protection against small arms fire. A few bullet holes were probably welcome ventilation to the sailors.
British prisons in the 19th century used the hammock for prisoners’ sleeping, because it saved space. The large brass hammock loop ends were hung over two large hooks securely fastened to opposing walls, and could be taken down and folded, or hung from one hook for storage to create instant space (this technique is still used indoors today).
Around the World
Hammocks in North America were still considered a novelty in the 18th century. Most were narrow with wood staves and demanded agility and balance. In the 1880’s the hammock became popular in North America, thanks in part to a wider version. Today 1-2 million hammocks are sold yearly in North America alone. World wide over 100 million people use hammocks as beds or furniture everyday, including occupants of Africa, China, Philippines, South Pacific, and of course, Central and South America.
Helpful Articles:
Related articles
- Really Hang-Out at Tokyo’s Hammock Cafe (odditycentral.com)
- Tiger Hut hammock goodness (rodgerhoffman.co.za)
Pingback: Hammock Buying Guide » The Lake Life