Plateau Shelter - Whitman Middle School

1.
Plateau Shelter
What kind of shelter did the Nez Perce people have?
The Nimi'ipuu lived in groups of extended families, in small villages along streams and
rivers. The principal Nimi'ipuu house was the tule mat-covered long house. The length varied,
but could be over 100 feet long. These dwellings were used for ceremonial purposes, and for
winter housing by several families. There were several rows of hearths in the center of the
structure, used by several families. At times, semi subterranean dormitories were used in
conjunction with the long house to accommodate single men and women. House pits or
excavated dwellings were also used by families simultaneously with the mat-covered long house
structures. These structures became less popular after the introduction of the tipi. The tipi is
made using twelve wood poles with tule mat covers which were eventually replaced by bison
skins during the late 18th century. After the introduction of trade, canvas covers replaced the
bison skin and tule mats. Historically, a few semi subterranean plank and log homes were found
among the Nimi'ipuu. A circular semi subterranean Plateau sweat house was always part of the
permanent Nimi'ipuu settlements, as were the women's menstrual huts, and the submerged hot
bath.
Today Nimi'ipuu live in modern homes. We still camp and travel using the tipi for shelter,
because the tipi is very portable.
http://www.nezperce.org/Official/FrequentlyAskedQ.htm
2.
Umatilla Shelter
Source: http://www.umatilla.nsn.us/
3. Spokane encampment in winter, possibly Indian Canyon, Spokane
Washington
Source :
http://content.lib.washington.edu/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/loc&CISOPTR=163&CISOBOX=1&REC=6
4. Colville tepee and mat lodge at Nespelem, Washington
In clearing, a canvas tepee with two men (in blankets) standing in front. Off to left
is a conical mat (rush?) lodge. Corner of another can be seen in foreground.
Source: http://content.lib.washington.edu/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/loc&CISOPTR=472&CISOBOX=1&REC=5
5. Colville man and woman outside log cabin, Washington, ca. 1904
Source : http://content.lib.washington.edu/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/loc&CISOPTR=450&CISOBOX=1&REC=2
6. Colville encampment with tepees and tethered horse, Nespelem, Washington
Horse tethered in clearing in front of tepees and shelters.
Source: http://content.lib.washington.edu/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/loc&CISOPTR=529&CISOBOX=1&REC=4
7. Nez Perce long house, Nespelem, Washington
An unidentified woman stands in front of a large structure. According to one
source (Eddy Covington) this was Chief Joseph's long house. According to another
source (Ann George) this is where Chief Joseph's memorial service was held.
Souce: http://content.lib.washington.edu/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/loc&CISOPTR=583&CISOBOX=1&REC=18
8.
Source : http://www.k12.wa.us/IndianEd/Curriculum/IndiansofWashingtonState.pdf