Reconstruction of the Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village
Earthlodges provided permanent year-round shelter for long periods lasting up to approximately 30 years before replacement was needed. They were manufactured of locally occurring resources, including a timber framework and wattle and daub or dirt finish.
Early lodges were square and rectangular in shape, later lodges were circular. Circular earthlodges documented in the historic period were generally about 40 feet in diameter. A typical circular earthlodge had four center support posts and beams 13-14 feet in length, 13 exterior support posts and stringers 8-10 feet in length, 85 rafter poles 13-17 feet in length and 288 split puncheons for leaners 9-10 feet in length. The structure also had an entryway, railings, a windscreen and furniture. Rafters, willows, grass and earth gave a massive feel to the structure, although the actual depth of earth was no greater than five inches.
Views of a full-sized lodge reconstruction at the Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village
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