Wickiup and Wigwam
Like the tipi and the igloo, the wigwam is one of those ‘famous’ Native American buildings that has entered the popular culture realm. But the term wickiup is preferred over wigwam, as many Native Americans feel wigwam is feeding a stereotype. Both terms mean dwelling. Semi-migratory and migratory groups in California, Plains, Northeaster Woodland, Great Basin, and Plateau territories used the wickiup.
People in these regions use the same construction technique; build a frame from flexible wood like saplings and tie it together in a dome shape. Place materials over it – whatever was available. Animal skins, bark, woven mats, grasses, or any combination of these. While some of the materials (particularly skins and really good mats) would be taken along from camp to camp, the rest could be discarded and gathered again at the next destination. It came from the earth, it returned to the earth.
