Maya Artists of the Yucatan

Maya Artists of the Yucatan hand-crafted Mayan hammocks

Long before the Spanish arrived upon the coasts of the Yucatan Peninsula, the Maya preferred to sleep and rest in hammocks. They considered the hammock to be like the loving embrace of a mother, due to the comfortable manner in which the body is held and swung within its cradle. Maya Artists of the Yucatan seek to preserve time-honored customs while also offering stylized versions of the original Maya hammock. For them, the hammock is a work of art. Their hammocks are incredibly comfortable, easy to maintain, and may be stored just about anywhere.

"Both men and women hand-weave magnificent and unique hammocks with colors and patterns created by our design department. This way we are able to fulfill our objective — to make a decorative article that will also provide a comfortable rest. Hammocks are now offered in a wide variety of colors and textures thanks to the advent of new fibers. We use both cotton and nylon, as these are soft, cool fibers — ideal for the garden. We also use nylon because it is a very resistant fiber. Another option is 'cotton crochet,' the finest fiber used in crafting hammocks in Yucatan."

The Maya Artists of the Yucatan have decided to diversify their designs. They ingeniously apply the same weaving techniques they use in the creation of their hammocks, to create original shawls. They refer to them as hamachales, referring to hammock and shawls in Spanish. Woven in bright colors, these shawls offer a warm hug.

"Now our goal is to continue this beautiful tradition of world-class quality, to transmit the magical work of Mexican hands and continue creating more incredible colors."

Handmade: A Global Artisan Marketplace Guadalajara, Mexico

"Both men and women hand-weave magnificent and unique hammocks with colors and patterns created by our design department. This way we are able to fulfill our objective — to make a decorative article that will also provide a comfortable rest. Hammocks are now offered in a wide variety of colors and textures thanks to the advent of new fibers. We use both cotton and nylon, as these are soft, cool fibers — ideal for the garden. We also use nylon because it is a very resistant fiber. Another option is 'cotton crochet,' the finest fiber used in crafting hammocks in Yucatan."

The Maya Artists of the Yucatan have decided to diversify their designs. They ingeniously apply the same weaving techniques they use in the creation of their hammocks, to create original shawls. They refer to them as hamachales, referring to hammock and shawls in Spanish. Woven in bright colors, these shawls offer a warm hug.

"Now our goal is to continue this beautiful tradition of world-class quality, to transmit the magical work of Mexican hands and continue creating more incredible colors."

Mexico Artisan Empowerment Hub

Explore Mexico. You'll discover the rich artistic heritage drawn from the Maya, Olmec, Toltec, Zapotec, and Aztec civilizations, as well as the distinctive living folk art traditions of modern Mexico. From Taxco Silver Jewelry to intricate Huichol beadwork, and from handpainted Talavera-style pottery to handblown glassware and fantastical alebrijes, you will fall under the spell of magical Mexico.

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Maker BadgeEmpowering Women

The Women's Empowerment badge is awarded to female artisans or artisan groups that are led by women.

Maker BadgeCaring for Children

This artist supports children under the age of 18.

Maker BadgeJob Creator

This artist positively impacts their community through job creation and provides jobs for 2 or more people.

Maker BadgePreserving Traditions

This artist uses traditional techniques handed down through the generations and/or creates culturally significant items, helping keep these traditions alive.

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Every purchase from this artist has a profound impact on their livelihood and income.

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