An intriguing article is making the rounds about a primatologist named Koichiro Zamma who has developed a bed, called the humankind evolution bed, that is based on how chimpanzees construct their own beds in the forests. Apparently he tried out a chimpanzee-constructed nest while tracking chimpanzees in the wild and found it to be very comfortable, waking up quite refreshed after his night of nesting.
A prototype of his invention is currently on display at Kyoto University Museum in Japan. Articles say this about the bed: “The mattress features a depression in the centre to replicate the natural dip in a chimp’s treetop bed and has a raised periphery for the head, legs and arms. It is supported by a frame made from woven paper string for maximum breathability, and eight curved legs that are designed to allow the bed to rock almost imperceptibly.”
As we’ve written in the past, chimpanzees in captivity make similar constructions for their nests as their free-living counterparts, building up walls of material (blankets, straw, paper, etc), and laying in the middle.
Jody is a master nest-maker:
Missy makes a pretty mean nest too. This was one of my favorite photos from the early days of the sanctuary:
In fact, these two were featured in this tutorial-style blog post about how to nest.
Here are some more photos of nesting from the Cle Elum Seven:
I have to admit that I wonder if perhaps Zamma’s restful night of sleep was due to being particularly exhausted after a day of following chimpanzees around the forest, but I remain intrigued.
What do you think – are chimpanzees on to something that we should be paying attention to? Should we ditch our flat mattresses? Would you want a humankind evolution bed?
Yes, yes, yes. My most restful sleep is with pillows around me while in a human bed. Chimps are definitely on to something! Get a body pillow and try it yourself. It is a womb like retreat that creates warmth and relaxation.
They may be onto something 🙂 Dogs make nests like that too!
The link to “How to Nest with Jody and Missy” is hysterical! Still chuckling over it. Debbie is right, most dogs love to prepare a nest if you give them enough blankets and each has their own personal style of nest building. Even without blankets, many dogs ‘dig’ on a solid surface to prepare their bedtime nest (my dog being an excellent nest builder and bed digger!). Orvis makes a similar bed to Koichiro Zamma’ version but for dogs (no legs or rocking platform) so there might be something to this : http://www.orvis.com/p/wraparound-fleece-dog-bed/2es4
There is no doubt chimpanzees are on to something that we should be paying attention to, in nesting and beyond. ; )
I want one. I have a feather bed, and love lots of pillows and covers. I agree with the womb comparison. I only wonder how it be for my neck arthritis, which has meant lately that almost flat is best.
And… as for dogs. Perhaps an instinct to nest is why they circle a couple of times before lying down.
Love all of these comments! I wonder how well it will sell if he does go commercial with the bed. I’m not sure about the movement part of it.
Great article, is there a link to the company making these beds? I’d love to try one of these.
Carol
From the sound of things, they are not yet being produced for commercial sale, but that’s something that might happen in the future. I’d love to try one too!