House Structures

At Aztalan, houses included building styles typical of both Late Woodland and Mississippian construction techniques. Late Woodland structures tended to have circular floor plans with wall posts set into individual post holes, and were commonly sided with bark and animal skins. Mississippian houses were typically rectangular with wall posts set in trenches and walls plastered with a mixture of mud and grasses like the much larger stockades. Although they were not built in rows, the homes were densely grouped, indicating community planning. These homes were year-round residences, and many had entrances facing south, away from harsh winter winds. Interiors were furnished with pole frame beds, likely covered with tamarack boughs, deer skins, and furs. Fire pits were located either in the center of the living area or near the entrance, with a central vent hole in the roof to help disperse smoke.

Aztalan, Wisconsin · United States