Masaya, the heart of Nicaraguan folklore and crafts, is located just 17 miles south of Managua. These handicrafts are one of the important industries of the country and variety of products is extensive. From the famous hammocks, woodcarvings, and leather goods, to the primitivism painting and the handmade cigars, this region hosts the largest markets in Nicaragua.

In Masaya we visited a few shops, including Oscar's Hammock Shop, click here for purchasing hammocks. When visiting Nicaragua you will find that many shops and even street and major intersections do not have signs. Finding places is the good fashion way, stop and ask someone. Many men would be seriously lost in Nicaragua. By asking and following interesting sets of directions we came about Oscar's Hammock Shop. Which is not officially named, Oscar's Hammock Shop, it's just what we call it, since Oscar owns and runs the place.

Pictured to the right is Alex Sumarriba who is sorting through yards and yards of cotton thread and organizing them in sets. On the left is Jimmy Suazo who is explaining how the hammocks are each made. Patterns can be made spontaneously as Jimmy makes the hammock or well thought out in advance. The colors of the cotton threads can be chosen by clients to create school colors, designs, etc. It's a true work of art.