earthlodge

An earthlodge is a traditional dwelling of semi-subterranean construction used by Indigenous peoples in North America. It is typically circular or oval, with a timber frame and an exterior covering of earth or sod. The design emphasizes insulation and protection from weather, and lodges were often organized into villages around a central plaza.

Construction and interior: The structure combines a wooden skeleton with packed earth, clay, or sod for walls and a roof. The dwelling is partially dug into the ground, creating a shaded interior with a relatively stable climate. A central hearth provides heat and cooking space, while the walls enclose living quarters, storage, and benches. Access is through a low doorway or passage that leads to the interior.

Cultural context: Earth lodges were central to several Plains and Plateau cultures, most notably the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara along the upper Missouri River. In many villages, dozens of lodges encircled a central open area used for ceremonial and social activities. The form is adapted to cold winters and hot summers, with the earth providing insulation and thermal mass.

Archaeology and preservation: Today earth lodges survive mainly as archaeological remains, with some reconstructions and museum exhibits. Notable sites include On-A-Slant Village and Double Ditch Village in present-day North Dakota, as well as the Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site. The term earthlodge is also used in ethnographic writings to describe similar structures among other groups.

See also: sod house; Plains architecture; earth house.