The moriche hammock (natural fibers) is exclusive from Venezuela!
In Venezuela they distinguish two types of hammocks: the chinchorro and the hammock. The difference is the way of weaving, the chinchorro has an open weave like a fishing net, the hammock is a closed weave which gives the “full body” hammock.
The Warao, an indigenous tribe from inland Venezuela, are known for their rich handicraft culture, amongst which the natural fibre chinchorros. The fibre comes from the a palm tree called moriche (Mauritia flexuosa linn), in Spanish "árbol de la vida" which means “tree of life.” One of the special characteristics of the moriche is that the fibre is totally not itchy, and therefore very comfortable.
To make a chinchorro is a time consuming and hard work process. The leave is cut from the tree, is dried for several weeks and then crushed into very fine hairy fibre. It is boiled and dried in the sun. Then, with two hands or hand and leg, the hair is twisted into very fine threads. When enough meters of thread (hundreds of meters), time has come to start weaving the chinchorro.
The are woven in vertical standing weaving frames in the typical fishing net weave which makes that the body ventilates, which is more comfortable in a hot, humid jungle environment.
For a Warao their chinchorro is part of life. Hanging above the ground it prevents that small animals and mosquitoes bother while resting. It can be wrapped up easily so it is taken when spend the night outside the pueblo. In earlier days people are buried in their chinchorro.
The chinchorros are 100% handwork, unique pieces with a long life if treated with respect. Made from natural fibre so they are relatively water resistant although it is recommendable not to abandon the chinchorro to prevent rotting.
 | Width: XL | |  | Max. weight: 180KG |
 |
 | Hanging height: 180 cm | |  | Hanging Distance:
between 330 cm |
|
 | Tension cords: 28 | |  | Material:
Natural fibre Moriche |
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