The Architectural Traditions of the Lenape: Houses of the Past and Present

Architectural traditions of the Lenape, a Native American tribe, reflect their deep connection to the land and seasonal lifestyles. The Lenape built various types of houses, ranging from temporary shelters like tipis to permanent abodes such as semi-subterranean pit-houses. Understanding these structures not only provides insight into their daily lives but also offers valuable information for modern housing innovations and sustainability.

The Diverse House Types of the Lenape

Similar to many Native American tribes, the Lenape lived in a variety of house types that were suited to their seasonal movements. In the warmer months, they often spent time in the highlands, where they resided in summer shelters. In winter, they moved to lower areas in search of protection from harsh conditions.

The Tipi: A Portable Shelter

Tipis were portable shelters used by the Lenape and other plains tribes. They were made from buffalo skins or woven reed mats and could be covered with canvas bought from European traders in later years. These structures were lightweight and easy to set up or take down, allowing the Lenape to move seasonally and follow game.

Permanent Housing: Split Plank and Adobe Structures

For more permanent dwellings, the Lenape employed specialized building techniques. The Chinook culture in the Pacific Northwest utilized split planks, while the Pueblo culture in the southwestern United States built houses from adobe bricks and stone, with notable examples found at Mesa Verde. Each of these structures was well-suited to the local climate and resources.

The Semi-Subterranean Pit-House

A particularly common type of permanent abode was the semi-subterranean pit-house. This structure involved digging a large pit in the ground, placing four pillars near a fire-pit, and connecting them with beams. Sapling beams were then attached to the base grade and smaller branches were placed on top. The excavated dirt was used to bury the wooden framework, creating a strong and weather-resistant structure.

Quoted from a source: “I’m surprised and disappointed that Native Americans have not revived this very practical alternative to western-style housing, but I’ll suppose that they pretty much have their hands full just trying to survive.”

Other Types of Native American Housing

In addition to their own architectural styles, American Indians in different regions also built a range of housing. For example, in the Great Lakes region, they constructed longhouses, round-topped structures that could house several families. These dwellings were made from bent-over poles, strengthened with a network of smaller branches and covered with bark or mats. The central area housed the fire or fires, and smoke would exit through gaps in the roof.

The interior of the longhouse featured platforms on either side of the central area where people slept and worked. Possessions were hung from the roof and walls. The mats might be rolled up on warm days to let in light and fresh air, making these structures efficient and adaptable.

Other types of shelters included the teepees of the Plains Indians and the igloos of the Inuit in Alaska and Canada. In Central and South America, some tribes constructed crude stone pyramidal structures.

Conversion of the Lenape by the Moravian Church

During the American Revolution, the Moravian Church in Eastern Pennsylvania worked with a group of Delaware people living in the Tuscarawas Valley of Ohio. In 1776, a frustrated Pennsylvania militia pursuing perpetrators of a Native American attack encountered the Moravian Delaware towns. After the militia killed several Delaware, a group of them relocated to an Ontario reservation. Today, they can be contacted for more information.

These examples of Lenape and other Native American housing offer not only historical insights but also valuable lessons for contemporary architects and builders. The principles of sustainability, adaptability, and resourcefulness employed by these cultures remain relevant in today's world.

Keywords: Lenape Houses, Native American Housing, Longhouses, Tipis, Semi-Subterranean Pit-Houses