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Navajo Hogan Dwellings


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This is what a traditional Navajo Hogan dwelling looks like.

I’m no expert on this, but it seems to be made of wood and what seems to be clay and dirt.

Navajo Hogan Dwelling

Hogan, the traditional Navajo red clay earth houseInside of one of these… It’s like a Jamaican sweat lodge isn’t it? Or am I the only one who’s been in one of those?

navajo-hogan-dwelling-interior

The exterior shot was taken by George Burba. Photo description…

Hogan, the traditional Navajo red clay earth house, with backdrop of famous table mountains of the Navajo National monument on the background
~ George Burba

The interior picture was captured by Jeff Hathaway. Photo description…

Inside a Navajo Hogan. The hogan is a sacred home for the Diné (Navajo) people who practice traditional religion. Every family — even if they live most of the time in a newer home — must have the traditional hogan for ceremonies, and to keep themselves in balance.
~ Jeff Hathaway

Thank you to David for bringing the Navajo Hogan dwellings to my attention.

These homes are sacred to those who practice the Navajo religion. They are built with small logs usually in a round shape. Then they fill the gaps between the framework logs with earth creating the thick walls.

You can see the wooden framework in the interior picture.

Here are some interesting resources if you want to learn more about these:
American Forests: Community Stories
Navajo Hogans in Arizona

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Alex

Alex is a contributor and editor for TinyHouseTalk.com and the always free Tiny House Newsletter. He has a passion for exploring and sharing tiny homes (from yurts and RVs to tiny cabins and cottages) and inspiring simple living stories. We invite you to send in your story and tiny home photos too so we can re-share and inspire others towards a simple life too. Thank you!
{ 3 comments… add one }
  • Davidrc
    March 9, 2010, 2:20 pm

    Hexagonal or octagonal, never square. Or it wouldn’t be a hogan.

  • March 11, 2010, 3:28 pm

    GREAT photos- I might post some and link you on my blog soon….always wanted to build something in this vein….still time….

    Hope you’re well!
    Episodes 2, 3, and 4 of tiny yellow house shoot REAL soon…

    -Deek
    http://www.relaxshacks.com

  • April 30, 2012, 11:25 am

    May I please use your Hogan Pictures, I need them for a 6th grade project on Navajo Indians, Please and Thank you.
    Carly Welsh Otis-Bison Junior High

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