Hammock Artisans of Ceará

Ceará  is located in the northeastern part of Brazil, famous for its beautiful coastline, deserted beaches, and warm climate. It is one of the largest Brazilian States by population and by area. It is also one of the main tourist destinations in Brazil. The state capital is the city of Fortaleza.

Long before the Portuguese landed on their shores in the 15th century, Brazilians used hammocks not only for sleeping, but also for the transportation of goods. Fruits, vegetables, and even the occasional chicken can be bagged up in a hammock and carried where necessary.  Today hammocks and cotton goods represent a significant portion of the area’s exports.

The people of northeastern Brazil still prefer to sleep in hammocks, whereas throughout the rest of the country they serve a primarily decorative function that also offers enviable relaxation. Because they are designed for sleeping, special care is taken to produce the highest quality possible. Typically the hammock's main body is woven on a loom, which may be a traditional hand loom, or the more modern mechanical loom. Some may use pedal looms known as mucamba.  However loomed, by hand or mechanically, the final product is a cross woven textile product similar to canvas.  The textile can be of varying degrees of thickness, coarseness or finesse, but the softness inherent in cotton gives a comfortable sleeping platform.

After the hammock bed is woven the work is generally given to the women of the area to complete.  Edges are sewn by hand.  Beautiful crochet borders are created by hand and added.  And the support harness completes the assignment. The women frequently work from home while caring for the children and household.  Many of the women teach their hammock making techniques to their daughters and granddaughters, thus ensuring the hammock-making tradition is kept alive. This tradition is not always easy to keep alive because of competition with the artifacts of modern life and living.

So long as a market for hammocks and hammock exporting continues, there is strong financial incentive for the younger generation to keep up the good work.  To see the best of this good work visit Brazilian Hammocks at Seaside Hammocks.

An Enthusiastic Mayan Hammock User

Tom,

If you want to use a review for your site about my hammock and hammock stand, here ya go:

"I ordered the Cotton King Size Hammock in the Mayan Hammock section. I also got the Vario Hammock Stand. The Hammock is HUGE in width and couldn't be more comfortable! I'm using the hammock as a replacement for a bed, as I have back and neck issues and have been told Mayan hammocks conform to your body and that would be best for me. After some research, Seaside Hammocks seemed the best choice. Before sleeping in a hammock, It would take me hours to fall asleep, I would toss and turn all night, and in the morning I would ALWAYS have to crack my back and neck. Since I've been sleeping on a Mayan Hammock, I fall asleep within 15 minutes, I wake up in the exact position I fell asleep in and never felt discomfort during the night, and haven't felt the need to crack my back or neck in the mornings. Even my 2 Chihuahuas love it! They can't wait for me to get in the hammock, so I can lift them in, they literally start wagging and getting all excited. Now for the individual review:

Cotton King Size Mayan Hammock: With plenty of support (max. cap. 625 lbs. according the the website) I don't feel uneasy getting in (weighing 200lbs myself). I'm a klutz, and haven't fallen out yet, not even come close, so that's saying something! Brightly colored and unique(you can choose your own colors though, so if you want softer, look at the color chart)! Tightly woven, so none of that classic hammock markings due to loose weaving. Also, no falling through because of loose weaving. Although either way is like sleeping on a cloud, I've found (at least for myself) I like sleeping on it sideways. It seems to conform to my body more that way. I don't even need a pillow when I lay sideways, which is a HUGE deal for me! Because I live in Florida (where the hammocks ship from), my hammock came in 2 days! The customer service was quick with response and very helpful. No complaints here!

Vario Stand: Perfect size for my hammock, not even on the longest adjustment! It only came with foreign instructions, so that was a pill, but the stand was so easy I was able to just look at the parts and know how to put it together, and I'm not good at that sort of thing AT ALL. No tools required (besides the ones provided). Took me 30 minutes to assemble, but I was also watching TV so, I would stop here and there to watch something. Most likely would've been a good 15 minutes less time. The stand is in a metallic silver color and would suite any color scheme in your home, or on your deck. Because it was shipping from another state, it took a few more days, but it still only took 6 days (would've taken less but the weekend fell between the order and delivery date). The only complaint I have is I had to stare at my awesome hammock for 4 days before I could sleep in it! Which is obviously no one's fault and got to me as fast as humanly possible without adjusting shipping methods.

All in all my vote is 5 stars! I would recommend this hammock, stand, and site to anyone! Thanks Tom!

-Ashlie
Tampa Bay Florida"
Visit Seaside Hammocks

The Tommy Hamaca Continues

Four years ago we were excited to introduce some remarkable new products. Heading the list is the Tommy Hamaca OSO Mayan Hammock. These hammocks continue the long Mayan tradition of unsurpassed comfort, while adding a tremendous degree of durability. By using cotton cording of the same gauge but seven times the bursting strength of the classic Mayan hammock cord we have built a hammock that resists snags and breaking to a remarkable extent. This mercerized cording is more brilliantly colored--dyed all the way through to resist fading. The weave on these hammocks is tighter than that of the classic Mayan, but not quite so tight as the Crochet. We have also given this hammock true Nylon suspension, which does not degrade under UV radiation the way the more commonly used polypropylene can. All in all we feel that this hammock offers true value; and it is available only at Seaside Hammocks. For a fuller explanation of this hammock please visit the Tommy Hamaca Cotton hammock page.

From Bolivia with Love

Since the Mayan calendar famously discontinues this year, 2012, I thought it prudent to venture farther afield for this year's new offerings, and, wow, did we get lucky! Deep in the eastern Bolivian jungle, past piranha invested rivers, traveling along donkey trails to the village of Salvatierra, located between somewhere and nowhere, two intrepid Peace Corps volunteers fell in love with the people and crafts of the indigenous people. The result of this labor of love was the introduction to the outside world of hand crafted hammocks, woven from the fiber up by women of the village, in what is a long tradition of weaving excellence. These Guarayos Hammocks , which we have the privilege of offering you are absolutely incredible in detail, quality, and overall beauty. Visit www.seasidehammocks.com

Caveat Emptor

It’s a jungle out there! When you are trying to buy a hammock, jungle doesn’t say the half of it. This article is intended to guide you past some of the pitfalls unscrupulous hammock sellers have strewn in your path. By the way, ten or fifteen years ago this whole internet hammock landscape was pretty serene. Most of the folks selling hammocks on line were actually human beings who had discovered them on their travels and wanted to share the good news in the frontier world of the internet. Not anymore. Many of the companies these days follow the pillage and burn philosophy of corporate greed. Listed below are three common tricks these folks like to play on the unwary shopper.
1. The first trick, which is a common one, is simple exaggeration, what is known legally as “puffing”. This can be as simple as calling a hammock “large” when it is not. In fact I would pretty much say that across the board if a hammock is called “large,” it isn’t. Most hammock lines start out with the smallest hammock in the line called “large”, and then add X’s and L’s until you are reeling.
2. The second trick is the fanciful measurement ploy. The length of a hammock is a pretty straightforward thing. You lay it out and measure it. But the width, ah, that is another matter. For bar hammocks and fabric hammocks this is not a big issue. But in the open sprang woven hammocks like the Mayan and Nicaraguan this is a big deal. If you lay a Mayan hammock or a Nicaraguan hammock on the ground you will find it is hard to know how wide it is. What some folks do is to have one person on either side pull the hammock as wide as they can and then measure the distance. A lot of 11 and 15 foot wide hammocks have been born this way. Unfortunately few of them can hold even one person, let alone two, in real comfort.
3. The third trick is free shipping. I have to tell you that hard as I have tried to get FedEx or UPS to ship for free, they just won’t do it. As shipping accounts for 8-10% of the revenue of an online business, one way or the other it is packed into the price. Now I will grant you that free shipping can be convenient in that you know the total cost up front. But it is not free. Not ever.
So the next time you see the ad for a Kowabunga XXL super huge family hammock “Shipped Free”, dig a little deeper. Maybe it is a really good deal on a really good hammock. But then again, maybe it is not!

Mayan Hammock as the primary Sleep System

Regarding the use of the open-sprang, hand-woven Mayan Hammock as the primary Sleep System

Author: Chris Shields, appreciator of the Mayan hammock.

Special Note: The use of spreader bars in Hammock construction creates an unstable platform
Spreader bar Hammocks are only suitable for sunbathing and are not suitable for use as a primary form of Bedding
Mayan Hammocks do not incorporate the use of spreader bars and are very stable

01] Mayan hammocks are inherently soft and Comfortable, conforming to the contours of each body individually.
02] Mayan Hammocks Support the body equally, creating a sensation of near weightlessness.
03] Suspended from two points, the Mayan Hammock is essentially a swing. This swaying motion stimulates the vestibules of the inner ear, promoting a Relaxation Response, encouraging Cognitive Awareness and triggering Lucid Dream States.
04] The combined effects of comfort, support, near weightlessness and gentle swaying calm the nervous system, particularly helpful for those people with Sensory Integration Disorders such as Autism, ADD and ADHD.
05] The swaying motion acts an external pumping mechanism, increasing the rate of flow within the Lymphatic System.
06] Mayan Hammocks are Aesthetically pleasing to behold.
07] The open-sprang weave of the Mayan Hammock, and one-dimensional design make Cleaning simple and easy, and the Hammock dries rapidly in the breeze. They can be hand or machine laundered.
08] Mayan Hammocks are Fun to experience.
09] Mayan Hammocks remove the occupant from most invasive, ground dwelling pests.
10] Mayan Hammocks accumulate little to no dust, debris or sloughing skin cells and they permit invasive pests to fall to the floor, through the open weave.
11] Mayan Hammocks are Versatile, presenting almost unlimited options for installation.
12] The versatility extends to folding within the expandable fabric, many patterns can be arranged by the occupant, creating a visual and textural delight.
13] Mayan Hammocks are lightweight, yet can hold hundreds of pounds, even thousands of pounds.
14] Mayan Hammocks are inherently stable, with a low center of gravity; they do not tip or expel the occupant.
15] It is virtually impossible to fall out of the Mayan Hammock, as the side knitting creates a bathtub shape.
16] Mayan Hammocks are Inexpensive, available for less than a day's wages, and properly cared for, last upwards of a decade.
17] Mayan Hammocks are Cool in the heat of summer, and sufficiently warm in winter. External heat sources are felt immediately, they have no mass to pre-heat.
18] Mayan Hammocks can be stacked one over the other in bunk bed fashion, allowing a single room to sleep multiple occupants, each in their own Hammock.
19] Mayan Hammocks are Spacious, the expandable weave permits multiple occupants in a single Hammock, entire families can fit in a single Hammock.
20] Mayan Hammocks are Hand Made, Fair Traded and support village communities.
21] Mayan Hammocks are Sustainable, providing a natural fiber for contact against the skin. They contain no toxic chemicals and require no Flame Retardants.
22] Infants can crib/nest in Mayan Hammocks, and relieve themselves through the easily cleaned open weave. There is no cause for overt reaction upon bed-wetting, reducing emotional stress.
23] Mayan Hammocks are easily transported. A person can bring their own Hammock with them on vacations and outdoor ventures.
24] Mayan Hammocks are Modular; they can be easily removed to increase living space while not occupied.
25] Infants cannot suffocate in a Mayan Hammock.
26] SIDS is at a reduced level of possibility in a Mayan Hammock, as the occupant naturally assumes a Fetal Position for sleeping, and is prevented from Prone positioning (SIDS is linked to low Vitamin C blood levels, but sleep position plays a role).
27] Mayan Hammocks are Mathematically intriguing, illustrating both Origami based folding principles and String Theory.
28] Mayan Hammocks preclude the need for pillow or blanket (in warmer months), as the fabric of the Hammock itself serves as both pillow and blanket.
29] Mayan Hammocks can be installed with springs at the terminal ends, providing additional range of motion and increasing the Therapeutic benefits, Cognitive Awareness, Lucid Dream State and Relaxation Response.
30] Mayan Hammocks can be Counter-weighted at the terminal ends, facilitating the Modular component. Upon exiting the Hammock, it will rise up and out of the way, increasing floor space.

Care and feeding of the Mayan Hammock

OK! So you have just bought a beautiful Mayan hammock and installed it between two shade trees in the back yard. The hammock is beautiful to look at, and so stunningly comfortable that you wonder if you will ever do useful work again. Then the thought hits: "How do I care for this hammock to keep it lovely for years?"

Welcome to my world! Here are a few tips to keep you hanging in comfort for years.

• 1) Bring it in when not in use. Think of the hammock as a nice cotton shirt. Would you leave your shirt on the clothesline for a year, and expect it to iron up and look great? I don't think so.
• 2) If it gets wet, let it dry. Cotton will mildew if left wet on a regular basis. If your hammock does get wet, keep a bamboo pole, broomstick, length of PVC pipe, or similar object nearby to spread the hammock open. It will dry quickly that way, and is unlikely to mildew.
• 3) Wash it occasionally. Bug residue, tree sap, airborne contaminants and the remains of whatever you bring into the hammock with you provide a base for decay. Washing will remove them and prolong the life of your hangout.
• 4) Consider a hammock protector. This is a nylon or polyester sleeve that can be slipped over the hammock when not in use to keep all the aforementioned contaminants from contacting your hammock in the first place.
• 5) Watch what you wear in the hammock. Clothing with buttons and sharp edges can catch on the strings and cause snags and sometimes breaks in the strings. So, if you don't hammock in the nude, wear soft clothes.
• 6) Repair snags quickly. If you do break a string tie the ends together and work it back into the weave. Don't wait for snags to turn into holes, and for holes to turn into chasms. These things are easy to fix if caught early.

NOTES ON HANDLING

Hammocks are not difficult to move and handle; but some care must be given to avoid tangling the suspension strings. Always hold the two end loops in one hand when moving the hammock. If you try to hold a hammock like a jump rope you may discover how bad things can happen to good people!

WASHING TIPS

Observe the handling suggestions above. Tie the suspension arms of the hammock at intervals with pieces of cord to prevent tangling (use knots that untie easily, so you are not tempted to cut the knots later), and soak in lukewarm water with mild detergent. Rinse carefully and dry quickly, using the "drying stick" previously mentioned. On the cotton hammocks there may be a small amount of color bleed. Don't worry! They won't fade away.

Care for your Mayan hammock with love, and you will love it for years!

For tons of information about the Mayan hammock, and the best selection of the world's most comfortable hammocks visit www.seasidehammocks.com. Tom Sloane will help you find the perfect hammock for home or garden.

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