Longhouse

Haudenosaunee spiritual path

A longhouse is a large, narrow communal dwelling traditionally built by various indigenous peoples, particularly the Iroquois of northeastern North America and groups in Southeast Asia.

Multiple families typically lived together under one roof, with living spaces arranged along the length of the structure.

The longhouse became a symbol of Iroquois political unity—the Haudenosaunee Confederacy is sometimes called the Longhouse.

The village centered around three longhouses that each housed several generations.

Architecture

timber

Wood for construction

post-and-beamConstruction using upright-and-crosspiece joints
ridge poleHighest horizontal roof beam
thatchedRoofed with dried vegetation

gabled · rectangular · dwelling · aisled · partitioned · rafters · wattle · daub · earthen floor · entrance

Viking

Norse

Ancient Scandinavian civilization

mead hallAnglo-Saxon communal drinking building
ScandinavianOf Denmark, Norway, Sweden
thatchDried plant roof covering

chieftain · feasting · hearth · sagas · Vikings · settlement · wooden · soapstone · benches · byre

Indigenous

Iroquois

Native American confederacy

clanRelated group sharing ancestry
communalShared by a community
barkSharp canine vocalization

elm · Seneca · Mohawk · Onondaga · matrilineal · confederacy · Six Nations · hearth · smoke hole · palisade

Southeast Asian

Borneo

Southeast Asian mega-island

stiltsPoles raising walkers higher
verandaRoofed open-air porch
tropicalOf hot, humid regions

bamboo · palm leaf · communal · river · headhunting · jungle · trophies · ironwood · gallery · animism

Longhouse

timber

Norse

Iroquois

Borneo

Longhouse

Opposites

Categories

Family