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Apache Wickiup
Architect Richard Thornton is a member of an alliance of Creek, Choctaw and
Seminole scholars, who over the past seven years have been intensely studying
the heritage of the Muskogean peoples. Much of their activities have involved
re-examination of the archives of the early Spanish, English and French
exploration of the Southeastern United States. We have asked Richard to provide
AccessGenealogy with some of his work. As we add to these articles we will
also be providing a question and answer section for the reader to ask questions
of Richard.
During the late 1800s, certain bands of the Apache Indians of Arizona and New
Mexico were able to tie down large numbers of United States and Mexican soldiers
while living in the most primitive of dwellings – the wickiup. What is
particularly interesting about their huts is that its appearance was probably
identical to the housing used by most Native Americans 5000 years ago. In fact,
the indigenous people of New England were still living in very similar huts when
the Pilgrims arrived on the Mayflower.
One can not imagine how cold those huts were in the winter. Unlike more
sophisticated housing of other cultures, it was not possible to build a fire
within the wickiup. The interior was too small and the entire hut was very
flammable. The occupants apparently compensated by thoroughly wrapping
themselves with furs, and by the time of the above photo, with Navajo blankets.
The wickiup was constructed with saplings and vines. A hemispherical frame would
be woven in a manner similar to a basket. Then thatch or roof bark was attached
to the frame with vines or leather thongs. The basic frame was so light weight,
that some tribes living in desert regions would carry the scarce wood saplings
with them when they traveled to new campsites.
Photo of an Apache wickiup shortly after Geronimo surrendered
Photo by E.S, Curtis in 1892
Notes About this Material
Source: Richard Thornton, an alliance of Muskogean scholars, professors and
professionals. Copyright Richard Thornton, Blairsville, GA, 2010. Used here with
permission.
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