Taino Weaving

Did You Know - Weaving techniques for making haba (baskets), makuto (pack sacks), and hamaka (hammocks) formed an important part of ancient Taino culture. Even Christopher Columbus remarked on the finely woven cotton blankets made by the Taino during his early encounters with the island communities. Today, many of the same weaving techniques are still used by contemporary communities throughout the Caribbean. – - UCTP Taino News © 2008

The Hammock

Did You Know - The word “hammock” was derived from the Taino word hamaka. In 1535, European chronicler Gonzalo Oviedo noted that the hammocks he observed were well-woven and made from good quality cotton fabrics. The hammaka could function as a bed, chair, sack, or even a fishing net. The hammock is also credited for changing the 16th maritime industry as sailors began to adopt these ingenious sling-type beds for use during their voyages. Today, hammocks are part of a multi-million dollar industry and have become such a part of popular culture that they have even been used by American astronauts in the Apollo program. – - UCTP Taino News © 2008