Update (August, 2019)

“About 20 years ago, I founded Mayan Artists of Yucatan. I was fascinated with the threads my parents made for the Mayan artisans selling their hammocks throughout the state. I was always in touch with them and watched how these magical hammocks were made.

“Thus I began to take classes on how these precious pieces were made, and I realized the lack of support that was available for these artisans. I was surprised at their dexterity and ability to create colors and beautiful combinations.

“Then NOVICA arrived and gave us the great opportunity to expand in a way that we could not imagine. Now we export to nations we don't know about. And being part of this project gives me great satisfaction and incredible peace.

“Hammocks are now offered in a wide variety of colors and textures, thanks to the advent of new fibers. We use cotton and nylon, since they are soft and fresh fibers, ideal for the garden. We also use nylon because it is a very resistant fiber.

“Yucatan is known worldwide for its magical hammocks; it is a beautiful tradition engendered by the Maya. For any person who slept in them, it became a tradition that is remembered and grows with great energy.

“The main challenge was to improve the quality of the fabrics, and to make these wonderful craftsmen aware of the details of their creations. Now our range of colors has grown, and that has given us the opportunity to grow enormously.

“Now the duty is to continue this beautiful tradition of world-class quality; to transmit the magic of Mexican hands and continue creating more incredible colors, without neglecting the talent of each of these people who make this organization grow. Those who make this beautiful dream come true.”

Original Artisan Story

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 the production of hammocks in Yucatan."

The Maya Artists of the Yucatan have decided to diversify their products. They have ingeniously applied 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.