The Henequen
One of the most famous gifts from the Yucatan peninsula to the world was the henequen. It is obtained from the agave of a cactus species, other variations of agave are used to produce tequila.
The Mayan used to make strings, hammocks, crude clothing and rugs, later the spaniards found out its value and the henequen began to be exported to the world, bringing lots of benefits to Yucatan.
There was a time by the 1800’s when the henequen production was very popular, and the land of Yucatán was one of the richest in Mexico. The owners of the haciendas where it was cultivated had large fortunes and were living with many privilege
Yucatan was producing the 90% of the rope and burlap bags in the world. But due to the outbreak of the Mexican Revolution and the economic and political unrest after the first world war, the industry had a terrible decline. And never got back to its prewar splendor.
Besides, the plant started being cultivated in Brazil, Madagascar, Tanzania and Manila, so there was much competition, even though the proximous advent of synthetic fibers.
But, the henequen's main feature is its toughness and resistence. It is strong enough to hold heavy items, and it will not break under conditions that snap synthetic ropes.
Today the henequen production in Yucatan has been encreasing and there are many uses to this fiber that can not be replased for any other material, thats why we trust in henequen getting back its popularity and that Yucatan very soon will porduce large amonts like in the past, recovering its worldwide superiority.
By: Cityview
Este sitio es elaborado por Enlaces y Comunicaciones del Sureste, S.A. de C.V.
en coordinación con El Diario de Yucatán
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