Indian HomesPeople’s homes are reflections of their
cultures. The size, shape, location and materials used in the construction
of dwellings all are dictated by people’s needs and values.
The most commonly depicted traditional Indian dwelling is
the teepee, or tipi. The teepee was used by the nomadic plains Indians who
hunted buffalo. They would stretch buffalo hides across a cone of wooden
poles. These structures were strong and easy to take down and set up as the
tribes moved across the plains.
Another traditional Indian dwelling was the wickiup. Used
by tribes in the South, the wickiup was similar to the teepee. The dwelling
was formed by securing brush, rather than animal hides, over arched poles.
The pueblo was used by Southwestern tribes such as the
Navajo. Pueblos were made of sandstone and clay. Often located in canyons,
these dwellings provided vital protection from the scorching desert sun and
insulation from the cold nights.
The wigwam was used by Eastern and Northern woodlands
tribes, including the Ojibwe People. The wigwam was a domed or cone-shaped
structure covered with bark or mats. The dwellings were strong, spacious and
easy to move during seasonal migrations.
Although American Indians no longer live in teepees,
wickiups, pueblos or wigwams, these traditional dwellings continue to be
symbols of cultural pride. As the saying goes, "Home is where the heart is."
