More From Knife River
©Bert Gildart: Here are a few more images from the Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site with a few explanations.
Earth Lodge
Though the park does not contain any more original earth lodges, it does contain an excellent reproduction. Because this was a matriarchal society, lodges were owned by the women. “Skeletal” system of the lodges consisted of stout poles which in turn supported thousands of small twigs and branches.
LODGE CONSTRUCTION
This foundation was then covered with five inches of dirt, which insulated against the cold and the wind. Sometimes ornaments were added and if you look closely at this photograph you will see several bison skulls and a pole with flag-like hide with the symbol of the particular clan occupying the lodge. Access to the lodge was obtained through a bison hide door. Inside, there was a fire circle which provided warmth.
SPIRITUAL ENTITIES
Each lodge was occupied by a family group and may have numbered as many as 10 to 12 people. The lodge we visited contained a bison hide replete with stories. Bison bladders were scattered around and they served the function of canteens. Occupants believed lodges were spiritual entities.
As well, there were several beds, some on the floor though others were elevated off the ground. Hides covered the sides and could be adjusted for warmth-or perhaps to filter the smoke from fires.
Bull boat
At times, a bull boat capped the center vent-and it too was built by the women. Women also tended the gardens while men were hunting or patrolling the area for enemies.
STRANGE BISON REPLICA
One item that peeked our curiosity was a bison with eyes and a mouth depicted by white hides cut in the appropriate manner.
Bison replica
We wished we’d had more time and could have asked the appropriate person for an interpretation of its meaning.
Never enough time; never enough time, particularly when it comes to our national parks… Last year at this time I was gathering material for a story on global warming for the magazine produced by the Wilderness Society. Here’s some information in the form of a blog about pika that relates to that story.
