Wikiups

A wikiup is a type of temporary shelter traditionally used by Indigenous peoples of North America, particularly in the Great Lakes region and the Plains. It is typically a dome-shaped or conical dwelling constructed from readily available natural materials. The framework of a wikiup is usually made from flexible saplings or poles, which are bent and lashed together to form a sturdy base. These poles are then covered with a protective layer of insulation and weatherproofing materials.

Common roofing and wall materials for wikiups include large pieces of bark, such as elm or birch, woven mats made from grasses or reeds, or animal hides. The specific materials used varied depending on the local environment and the resources available to the people who built them. Wikiups were designed to be relatively easy to construct and dismantle, making them suitable for nomadic or semi-nomadic lifestyles. They provided protection from the elements, offering warmth in winter and shade in summer. The size of a wikiup could vary, accommodating a single family or a small group. While not as elaborate as some other forms of Indigenous housing, the wikiup was a practical and effective dwelling.