Do you know what the Wampanoag lived in? Uncover the fascinating architecture and living spaces of the Native American people of the Wampanoag Nation in this article.

The Wampanoag lived in longhouses, wigwams and wetus in order to survive the harsh New England climate. These homes were crafted from materials such as bark, grass, and animal hides, and were designed to provide shelter and warmth.

Discover the types of structures and homes that the Wampanoag used in their everyday lives. Learn about the unique architectural features and the functions of the various structures, and what it was like for the Wampanoag to live in such dwellings.

Curious to find out more? Read on to discover what the Wampanoag lived in and how these structures shaped their lives.

The Wampanoag are a Native American tribe that historically inhabited much of present-day Massachusetts and Rhode Island. They were one of the first Native American groups encountered by the Pilgrims in 1620, and the two cultures interacted extensively for more than a century. The Wampanoag are still a distinct and vibrant culture, and they are represented in both Massachusetts and Rhode Island today. One of the most interesting aspects of the Wampanoag culture is their homes and structures, which have changed significantly over the centuries. In this article, we will explore the different types of homes and structures used by the Wampanoag people throughout history.

The Wigwam

The Wampanoag people’s primary home was the wigwam, a type of dwelling made from bent saplings and large sheets of bark. The wigwam was easy to build and relatively portable, making it ideal for a nomadic lifestyle. The wigwam was also well-suited to the Wampanoag’s climate, as the bark and saplings provided insulation and protection from the elements. Inside the wigwam, the Wampanoag typically made a fire pit in the center and arranged their sleeping mats around it. This arrangement was also beneficial in the winter, as the heat from the fire pit would help keep the wigwam warm.

The Longhouse

The Wampanoag also used longhouses, which were larger and more permanent dwellings than wigwams. These dwellings were built with saplings and covered with bark, but they were much larger and often had more than one room. Longhouses usually had a fire pit in the center and were used to house multiple families. They were also used as meeting places for spiritual and social gatherings. These longhouses were typically built in villages, with multiple longhouses grouped together.

The Bark House

The Wampanoag also built bark houses, which were similar to longhouses but with one major difference: they were built from a single piece of bark. These houses were constructed by shaping the bark into a cone shape and then securing it with poles. The bark was then secured to the poles and fastened to the ground with stakes. The bark houses were typically used as temporary shelters and were easy to construct and dismantle.

The Plank House

The Wampanoag also built plank houses, which were more permanent dwellings than wigwams or bark houses. These houses were constructed from wooden planks, which were fitted together and then secured with stakes or ropes. The plank houses were typically rectangular in shape, and they were large enough to accommodate multiple families. The plank houses were also used as meeting places for spiritual and social gatherings.

The English House

The Wampanoag eventually began building houses in the English style, which were more substantial and permanent than the traditional dwellings. These houses were typically built with wooden frames and covered with wooden planks. They were larger than the traditional dwellings and often had multiple rooms. The English houses were also built in villages, with multiple houses grouped together.

Conclusion

The Wampanoag people have a long and rich history, and their homes and structures reflect this. Throughout their history, the Wampanoag have used a variety of homes and structures, including wigwams, longhouses, bark houses, plank houses, and English-style houses. Each type of dwelling served a different purpose and provided the Wampanoag with protection from the elements and a place to gather for social and spiritual gatherings. Today, the Wampanoag still live in many of these traditional dwellings, as well as modern houses.

Video The Wampanoag Way
Source: CHANNET YOUTUBE Scholastic

We hope this article has given you an insight into the lifestyle of the Wampanoag people. Their homes and structures were integral to their culture and provided them with a safe and secure place to live. We invite you to continue to explore their culture and history to gain a deeper understanding of their people and their way of life.

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about the Wampanoag people and their homes and structures. We hope you have enjoyed this journey of discovery and have gained a greater appreciation for their unique culture and history. Thank you for being part of the learning experience.