Researching Native American Homes of the Past
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Researching Native American Homes of the Past



I don’t have a fancy house, but I appreciate how warm and snug it keeps me when it’s cold or storming outside.


While researching THE FALCON, THE WOLF AND THE HUMMINGBIRD, I learned Native Americans kept themselves comfortable in a variety of abodes. Most included a frame made of bendable poles lashed together by cording. The structure was then covered by reed mats.


If a home was small, like the Pequot wigwams, there was only one fire ring with a smoke hole above. For larger buildings like longhouses, there were often 2 to 3 fire rings. Sleeping platforms were built along the walls.


Fortunately in the Northeast, tornadoes aren’t a problem, but storms and freezing temperatures are always an issues, so I can just imagine how seriously the indigenous tribes took their construction!


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For updates about Martha’s forthcoming books, news and giveaways, subscribe to her website: MarthaEngber.com.


THE FALCON, THE WOLF AND THE HUMMINGBIRD a historical novel, Sept. 19, 2023


BLISS ROAD, a memoir


WINTER LIGHT, a novel


THE WIND THIEF, a novel


GROWING GREAT CHARACTERS, a resource for writers


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