Originally used by the native inhabitants of Central and South America for sleeping, hammocks are an age-old method of rest and repair. During the time of the Spanish Conquest, the people of the West Indies found that suspended sleeping kept their population healthier- away from poisonous insect bites and even worse- deadly animal attacks. Later, hammocks made their debut aboard ships worldwide as space-maximizing sleep vessels for soldiers and sailors. In the modern world, hammocks are symbols of relaxation. We see them posted between two palm trees on secluded islands, in children’s bedrooms in the home and in suburban backyards. The breeze in Newport today makes us wish we were kicking back in a hammock right now!
