<\/p>\n
Before mattresses were commonplace, sleeping surfaces all over the world were much simpler but also more artisanal. The typical local precursor of the mattress is the handwoven mat.\u00a0While there are occurrences of this item in many cultures,\u00a0we will focus on one that is predominantly found in Mexico and much of Central America.<\/p>\n
What are we talking about here? Allow us to introduce the petate.<\/p>\n
<\/a>What Is the History of the Petate?<\/h2>\nThe origins of the petate go back to the Mesoamerican Pre Hispanic period. In fact, the name is derived from the word petlatl<\/em>\u00a0from the Aztec language group\u00a0N\u00e1huatl.<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"Two](\"https:\/\/goodnights.rest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/article-petate-01.png\")
EcuaLama Petate, eBay<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nWe’re not going to outline a history lesson here. Instead, let’s look at how\u00a0much the petate has influenced the modern world, and how it compares to other mats like it.<\/p>\n
Origins and Materials: Ban\u00edg vs. Petate vs. Tatami Mat<\/h3>\n
Like the tatami mat<\/a> of Japan and the ban\u00edg<\/a> of the Philippines, the petate is not made of textile. Rather, these handwoven mats utilize the local flora of their origins. The tatami mat\u00a0is traditionally made with\u00a0rice straw, while the ban\u00edg is traditionally made with Buri palm leaves or Tikog grass reeds.<\/p>\nUnlike other handwoven surfaces—the Japamese tatami mat comes to mind—the petate has no traditional expected dimensions. Like the Philippine\u00a0ban\u00edg, the petate can come in all shapes and sizes.\u00a0The same\u00a0weaving techniques are also used to make other items: baskets, hats, toys, and more.<\/p>\n
The traditional Mesoamerican mat\u00a0is generally made out of dried and woven fibers of\u00a0Leucothrinax morrisii, also known as the palm of petate or the Key thatch palm.\u00a0This plant is native to the Antilles, the Bahamas and the Florida Keys.<\/p>\n
Many other endemic varieties of palm or palm-like plants are used to make petate from different regions. This is true especially for places where the Key thatch palm is not found.\u00a0Examples of these other options are Dasylirion acrotrichum\u00a0or\u00a0cucharilla<\/em>, and Sabal mexicana or Mexican palmetto.<\/p>\nLegacy: The Petate and the Spanish Language<\/h3>\n
There’s not much that sets the petate apart from other traditional mats; in terms of materials used, weaving and design.\u00a0What is very different, though, is the way the idea of the petate has been firmly ensconced in the cultural memories of the countries in which it is found. This is likely due to the fact that the petate has been around since at least the 15th century.<\/p>\n![\"Unrolled](\"https:\/\/goodnights.rest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/article-petate-02.png\")
EcuaLama\u00a0Petate,\u00a0eBay<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThough the petate is no longer significant as a\u00a0bedroll for daily use, the notion of it remains alive and well. It’s in many common colloquialisms and idioms\u00a0beloved by the Spanish-speaking world. Below are some of our favorite instances of using the word in modern Spanish:<\/p>\n
\n- “Ya se petate\u00f3”<\/em>\u00a0<\/strong>is a Mexican slang phrase equivalent to “he’s already dead”.\u00a0This is similar to phrases like “he’s pushing up daisies” or “he’s kicked the bucket”. The verb petatear<\/em>\u00a0is used\u00a0here to mean “to die”. This is because the petate has also historically been used in burying the dead.<\/li>\n
- “Huele a petate quemado”<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0or literally “smells like burnt petate” is said to refer to the smell of burning cannabis. This is perhaps due to both cannabis and the petate often being rolled up.<\/li>\n
- “Llamarada de petate”\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>is a more personal and emotional version of the English idiom “flash in the pan”; as it may refer to a brief and intense love affair, or a person that is quick to change his mind or make promises that won’t be kept.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The word petate\u00a0itself can also be used informally to mean a bundle of clothes and bedding, or simply travel luggage.<\/p>\n
<\/a>How\u00a0Is a\u00a0Petate Made?<\/h2>\nMaking a petate is a difficult task consisting of multiple, time-consuming steps. A petate made for sleeping is usually hand woven into a comfortable, quadrangular form. <\/strong><\/p>\nThis allows for a sleeping person to lie down properly without having to bend or contort to fit on the mat.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n![\"Hands](\"https:\/\/goodnights.rest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/article-petate-03.png\")
EcuaLama Petate,\u00a0eBay<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThe\u00a0leaves or fronds are carefully cut from the palm or palm-like plant, and then left on a flat surface to dry under the sun. Great care and attention must be taken to ensure that the plant material does not curl or arch during the drying process.<\/p>\n
Sometimes some of the fronds are stained with vegetable-based pigments in order to allow for colored patterns in\u00a0the petate design. After this is accomplished, the dried fibers deemed strong enough are used in\u00a0long and arduous hours hand weaving to create the final product.<\/p>\n
Important to note here that modernization and globalization has taken its toll on the art and craft of making the petate. Not only are mattresses more comfortable and sensible, they are also easier to avail of due to the dwindling number of petate weavers.<\/p>\n
In recent years, some petate weavers have actually switched to other materials\u00a0that are sturdier and sometimes synthetic. This does cut down on the time, but also disregards tradition. These vibrant and colorful variants are usually sold as tourist souvenirs.<\/p>\n
<\/a>How\u00a0Is a Petate Used?<\/h2>\nThe petate is a simple, no-nonsense sleeping and sitting mat. To use, just unroll and place on the ground.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\nOtherwise it is typically remains rolled and stored. It is tucked away in a closet, if not hanging or leaning against the wall.<\/p>\n![\"Two](\"https:\/\/goodnights.rest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/article-petate-04.png\")
By Cristina Zapata P\u00e9rez (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a>], via Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nLike many other handwoven mats, its portability is a space-saving plus for smaller dwellings. In warmer climates, though, it is common to see a petate being used for sleeping outdoors. As a sitting mat, it can be used indoors or on picnics and beach trips.<\/p>\n
As mentioned above, these days there is no real reason to use a petate every night as a bedroll. However, there are many ways to use it otherwise. Its organic nature also makes smaller versions of the petate ideal dog mats, welcome mats or even place mats or table runners.<\/p>\n
More aesthetically pleasing variants\u00a0can feature colorful woven or painted on patterns and designs. These are considered works of art worth displaying, and are often used as such.<\/p>\n
Another common and humble use of the petate is as a surface for edible items to rest on while being dried under the sun. These foodstuffs include: grains, seeds, and even tortillas.<\/p>\n
<\/a>Petate Alternatives: What Can Be Used Instead?<\/h2>\nIf you simply need a surface for sleeping on the ground, any sleeping bag or modern bedroll will do. <\/strong><\/p>\nUnless you have a hankering for the real deal, it won’t be hard to settle for something you can adapt to your needs. We are taking into account the petate’s multiple uses here.<\/p>\n
The petate is, in essence, a handwoven mat that isn’t textile-based. While an authentic petate can be elusive, especially if you’re looking for a deal online,\u00a0alternatives are available everywhere. You can, obviously, look for an authentic tatami mat or a ban\u00edg; but these will probably be as hard to find as a real petate.<\/p>\n
Below are some of our more mainstream recommendations.<\/p>\n
Outdoor Patio Mats<\/h3>\n
Want something portable to use outdoors? Patio mats are sometimes called RV camping mats.\u00a0Items\u00a0like these are often made of\u00a0polypropylene<\/a>, which is a tough and versatile plastic that is also recyclable. Unlike some natural material options, these mats are also often mold, mildew and mite resistant.<\/p>\nWe like these outdoor mats more than the usual\u00a0plastic or straw beach mats or yoga mats because they are more durable, useful in more places, and come in large sizes. Items like beach mats or picnic blankets can be found anywhere and are probably not going to be things you’ll need to order online. As for yoga mats, you’re probably better off ordering a proper yoga mat instead of using something else.<\/p>\n![\"Reversible](\"https:\/\/goodnights.rest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Reversible-Mats-Outdoor-Patio-RV-Camping-Mat.png\")
Reversible Mats Outdoor Patio RV Camping Mat, via Amazon<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nOur favorites:<\/p>\n
\n- Splurge with the\u00a0Mad Mats Oriental Turkish Indoor\/Outdoor Floor Mat<\/a> ($119.99 on Amazon)<\/li>\n
- Save with the\u00a0Reversible Mats Outdoor Patio RV Camping Mat<\/a> ($55.00 on Amazon)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Printed Wood Grain Interlocking Foam\u00a0Mats<\/h3>\n
Want something with a natural look\u00a0and able to withstand indoor wear and tear? We’re talking about something you can use in play areas\u00a0or exercise rooms. Maybe you’re on a budget but looking for a surface to be both resilient and cushioning. If this sounds like you, we suggest interlocking foam mats.<\/p>\n
These can feel a little flimsy and look a little garish, but both flaws can be fixed by finding the correct product. You’re probably more familiar with these in a preschool or workplace setting, but printed wood grain variants are popular for indoor and boat use.<\/p>\n![\"Forest](\"https:\/\/goodnights.rest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Forest-Floor-Printed-Wood-Grain-Interlocking-Foam-Floor-Mats.png\")
Forest Floor Printed Wood Grain Interlocking Foam Floor Mats, via Amazon<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nOur favorites:<\/p>\n
\n- Splurge with the\u00a0We Sell Mats Printed Wood Grain Interlocking Foam Floor Mats<\/a> (From $35.51 on Amazon)<\/li>\n
- Save with the\u00a0Forest Floor Printed Wood Grain Interlocking Foam Floor Mats<\/a> (From $19.95 on Amazon)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Natural Material Area Rugs<\/h3>\n
Want to go the natural route all the way? While the ban\u00edg, petate and tatami mat can be difficult to find—especially if you’re on a budget—natural material area rugs are next best thing. These can be made from bamboo, jute, seagrass and more; and can be both decorative and functional.<\/p>\n
Price points vary wildly, though. Handwoven variants are obviously going to be more expensive than machine woven ones. The quality and treatment of the natural materials counts, too.<\/p>\n![\"Venice](\"https:\/\/goodnights.rest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Venice-Natural-Bamboo-Area-Rug.png\")
Venice Natural Bamboo Area Rug, via Amazon<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nOur favorites:<\/p>\n
\n- Splurge with the NaturalAreaRugs Natural Fiber Lancaster Seagrass Rug<\/a> (From $90.30 on Amazon)<\/li>\n
- Save with the Venice Natural Bamboo Area Rug<\/a> ($49.99 on Amazon)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Jump to: What Is the History of the Petate? How Is the Petate Made? How Is the\u00a0Petate Used? Petate\u00a0Alternatives: What Can Be Used Instead? Before mattresses were commonplace, sleeping surfaces all over the world were much simpler but also more artisanal. The typical local precursor of the mattress is the handwoven mat.\u00a0While there are […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1261,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"article-template.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/goodnights.rest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1259"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/goodnights.rest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/goodnights.rest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goodnights.rest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goodnights.rest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1259"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/goodnights.rest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1259\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4192,"href":"https:\/\/goodnights.rest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1259\/revisions\/4192"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goodnights.rest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1261"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/goodnights.rest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1259"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
We’re not going to outline a history lesson here. Instead, let’s look at how\u00a0much the petate has influenced the modern world, and how it compares to other mats like it.<\/p>\n
Origins and Materials: Ban\u00edg vs. Petate vs. Tatami Mat<\/h3>\n
Like the tatami mat<\/a> of Japan and the ban\u00edg<\/a> of the Philippines, the petate is not made of textile. Rather, these handwoven mats utilize the local flora of their origins. The tatami mat\u00a0is traditionally made with\u00a0rice straw, while the ban\u00edg is traditionally made with Buri palm leaves or Tikog grass reeds.<\/p>\n Unlike other handwoven surfaces—the Japamese tatami mat comes to mind—the petate has no traditional expected dimensions. Like the Philippine\u00a0ban\u00edg, the petate can come in all shapes and sizes.\u00a0The same\u00a0weaving techniques are also used to make other items: baskets, hats, toys, and more.<\/p>\n The traditional Mesoamerican mat\u00a0is generally made out of dried and woven fibers of\u00a0Leucothrinax morrisii, also known as the palm of petate or the Key thatch palm.\u00a0This plant is native to the Antilles, the Bahamas and the Florida Keys.<\/p>\n Many other endemic varieties of palm or palm-like plants are used to make petate from different regions. This is true especially for places where the Key thatch palm is not found.\u00a0Examples of these other options are Dasylirion acrotrichum\u00a0or\u00a0cucharilla<\/em>, and Sabal mexicana or Mexican palmetto.<\/p>\n There’s not much that sets the petate apart from other traditional mats; in terms of materials used, weaving and design.\u00a0What is very different, though, is the way the idea of the petate has been firmly ensconced in the cultural memories of the countries in which it is found. This is likely due to the fact that the petate has been around since at least the 15th century.<\/p>\n Though the petate is no longer significant as a\u00a0bedroll for daily use, the notion of it remains alive and well. It’s in many common colloquialisms and idioms\u00a0beloved by the Spanish-speaking world. Below are some of our favorite instances of using the word in modern Spanish:<\/p>\n The word petate\u00a0itself can also be used informally to mean a bundle of clothes and bedding, or simply travel luggage.<\/p>\n Making a petate is a difficult task consisting of multiple, time-consuming steps. A petate made for sleeping is usually hand woven into a comfortable, quadrangular form. <\/strong><\/p>\n This allows for a sleeping person to lie down properly without having to bend or contort to fit on the mat.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The\u00a0leaves or fronds are carefully cut from the palm or palm-like plant, and then left on a flat surface to dry under the sun. Great care and attention must be taken to ensure that the plant material does not curl or arch during the drying process.<\/p>\n Sometimes some of the fronds are stained with vegetable-based pigments in order to allow for colored patterns in\u00a0the petate design. After this is accomplished, the dried fibers deemed strong enough are used in\u00a0long and arduous hours hand weaving to create the final product.<\/p>\n Important to note here that modernization and globalization has taken its toll on the art and craft of making the petate. Not only are mattresses more comfortable and sensible, they are also easier to avail of due to the dwindling number of petate weavers.<\/p>\n In recent years, some petate weavers have actually switched to other materials\u00a0that are sturdier and sometimes synthetic. This does cut down on the time, but also disregards tradition. These vibrant and colorful variants are usually sold as tourist souvenirs.<\/p>\n The petate is a simple, no-nonsense sleeping and sitting mat. To use, just unroll and place on the ground.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Otherwise it is typically remains rolled and stored. It is tucked away in a closet, if not hanging or leaning against the wall.<\/p>\n Like many other handwoven mats, its portability is a space-saving plus for smaller dwellings. In warmer climates, though, it is common to see a petate being used for sleeping outdoors. As a sitting mat, it can be used indoors or on picnics and beach trips.<\/p>\n As mentioned above, these days there is no real reason to use a petate every night as a bedroll. However, there are many ways to use it otherwise. Its organic nature also makes smaller versions of the petate ideal dog mats, welcome mats or even place mats or table runners.<\/p>\n More aesthetically pleasing variants\u00a0can feature colorful woven or painted on patterns and designs. These are considered works of art worth displaying, and are often used as such.<\/p>\n Another common and humble use of the petate is as a surface for edible items to rest on while being dried under the sun. These foodstuffs include: grains, seeds, and even tortillas.<\/p>\n If you simply need a surface for sleeping on the ground, any sleeping bag or modern bedroll will do. <\/strong><\/p>\n Unless you have a hankering for the real deal, it won’t be hard to settle for something you can adapt to your needs. We are taking into account the petate’s multiple uses here.<\/p>\n The petate is, in essence, a handwoven mat that isn’t textile-based. While an authentic petate can be elusive, especially if you’re looking for a deal online,\u00a0alternatives are available everywhere. You can, obviously, look for an authentic tatami mat or a ban\u00edg; but these will probably be as hard to find as a real petate.<\/p>\n Below are some of our more mainstream recommendations.<\/p>\n Want something portable to use outdoors? Patio mats are sometimes called RV camping mats.\u00a0Items\u00a0like these are often made of\u00a0polypropylene<\/a>, which is a tough and versatile plastic that is also recyclable. Unlike some natural material options, these mats are also often mold, mildew and mite resistant.<\/p>\n We like these outdoor mats more than the usual\u00a0plastic or straw beach mats or yoga mats because they are more durable, useful in more places, and come in large sizes. Items like beach mats or picnic blankets can be found anywhere and are probably not going to be things you’ll need to order online. As for yoga mats, you’re probably better off ordering a proper yoga mat instead of using something else.<\/p>\n Our favorites:<\/p>\n Want something with a natural look\u00a0and able to withstand indoor wear and tear? We’re talking about something you can use in play areas\u00a0or exercise rooms. Maybe you’re on a budget but looking for a surface to be both resilient and cushioning. If this sounds like you, we suggest interlocking foam mats.<\/p>\n These can feel a little flimsy and look a little garish, but both flaws can be fixed by finding the correct product. You’re probably more familiar with these in a preschool or workplace setting, but printed wood grain variants are popular for indoor and boat use.<\/p>\n Our favorites:<\/p>\n Want to go the natural route all the way? While the ban\u00edg, petate and tatami mat can be difficult to find—especially if you’re on a budget—natural material area rugs are next best thing. These can be made from bamboo, jute, seagrass and more; and can be both decorative and functional.<\/p>\n Price points vary wildly, though. Handwoven variants are obviously going to be more expensive than machine woven ones. The quality and treatment of the natural materials counts, too.<\/p>\n Our favorites:<\/p>\n Jump to: What Is the History of the Petate? How Is the Petate Made? How Is the\u00a0Petate Used? Petate\u00a0Alternatives: What Can Be Used Instead? Before mattresses were commonplace, sleeping surfaces all over the world were much simpler but also more artisanal. The typical local precursor of the mattress is the handwoven mat.\u00a0While there are […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1261,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"article-template.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/goodnights.rest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1259"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/goodnights.rest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/goodnights.rest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goodnights.rest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goodnights.rest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1259"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/goodnights.rest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1259\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4192,"href":"https:\/\/goodnights.rest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1259\/revisions\/4192"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goodnights.rest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1261"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/goodnights.rest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1259"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}Legacy: The Petate and the Spanish Language<\/h3>\n
\n
<\/a>How\u00a0Is a\u00a0Petate Made?<\/h2>\n
<\/a>How\u00a0Is a Petate Used?<\/h2>\n
<\/a>Petate Alternatives: What Can Be Used Instead?<\/h2>\n
Outdoor Patio Mats<\/h3>\n
\n
Printed Wood Grain Interlocking Foam\u00a0Mats<\/h3>\n
\n
Natural Material Area Rugs<\/h3>\n
\n