dhomat

Dhomat is a term used in ethnographic and architectural contexts to describe a portable, semi-permanent shelter used by nomadic and semi-nomadic communities in several regions. In ethnographic descriptions, the dhomat is noted for its modular construction, allowing habitation units to be assembled, relocated, or disassembled with minimal tools.

Construction and design typically feature a lightweight frame made from bamboo, saplings, or reeds, covered by woven mats, reed screens, or canvas. The roof is usually thatched or covered with palm leaves, and walls may be partially open to promote ventilation. The design prioritizes ease of transport, rapid setup, and protection from sun and rain, with multiple configurations to suit climate and season.

Origins and distribution are varied in the literature, with mentions spanning different linguistic and geographic groups. The term appears in several languages with differing spellings and nuances, reflecting local building traditions and the adaptive responses of communities to seasonal migration, trade routes, and settlement pressures. Some accounts describe dhomat as primarily sleeping quarters, while others emphasize their use as cooking, social, or ceremonial spaces during markets and gatherings.

Function and cultural role vary by context but commonly include housing during migrations, temporary lodgings for fairs, and communal areas for gatherings. Variants range from near-enclosed structures to more open, tent-like forms, and some versions incorporate raised platforms or removable panels to adapt to temperature and humidity.

See also: hut, tent, yurt.