Henequen Hammocks

Henequen is a natural fiber obtained from a cactus native to Yucatan. Henequen hammocks are usually woven from fiber bought from rope making stores but it can also be created on a lathe or done by hand. With a lathe, one person operates the lathe and the other person feeds in the fiber. Another way is for one person to sit and twist the fibers on their lap. This is an antique method, and in the past the older men would take advantage of the early hours of the day so that they could work the fiber while it was still moist and soft.

The quality of the fiber determines the quality of the hammock as much as the quality of the weav er's skills. There are some grades of henequen fiber that are so fine they cannot be industrialized. There is a fiber called "Yaki", it comes from the hearts of the henequen cactus. In the Yucatan it is affectionately known as the "cow's tongue". This fiber is very fine and soft and can only be spun into twine by hand. This is not done frequently these days. There are a few other finer materials for weaving Mayan hammocks, such as ciguena, as well as fine grades of cotton and nylon.

A very finely made henequen hammock is very nice and to be respected for it's traditional craftsmanship. Many more comfortable materials are being used today. For a very nice natural fiber try a fine hemp or crochet cotton, or ciguena.