Houses

Algonquians lived in many different types of structures, but the dwelling most often associated with them is the wigwam. The typical wigwam frame consisted of small trees bent and tied together in a dome shape and covered with strips of birch bark that were sewn together. But some Algonquians did not round off the framework; rather, they propped the saplings together to form a cone resembling a small tipi. And where birch bark was not available, they might use another bark, such as elm, to make the coverings. Or they might weave some other plant matter, such as cattail reeds, into mats that also served to keep out rain, snow, and wind. Or they might use animal skins as the Plains Indians did on their tipis. Or they would use various

Algonquian wigwam

Combinations. The men usually built the framework, then the women added the coverings.

Swampgrass and animal furs made good insulation for the wigwams. Branches covered with hides served as floors and beds. All the different-shaped Algonquian dwellings had holes in their roofs to let smoke out.

Some Algonquians also constructed large rectangular buildings similar to the Iroquoian longhouses. These might serve as places where the tribal council met. Or a family might choose to use one of these roomy and airy structures as their home. On the trail, of course, the smaller, portable structures with removable coverings were more practical. Algonquian villages often had palisades of upright logs surrounding them for protection.

Like other Indian peoples, Algonquians constructed special buildings for sweating. These sweathouses were often dome-shaped like a wigwam. Water would be poured over hot rocks to make steam for the purpose of purifying the body and spirit. Afterward, the individual would typically take a dip in a stream, lake, or snowbank.