| Native American Architecture is an excellent reference text that explores the building traditions of the Native People of North America. An anthropologist and architect have combined their unique perspectives to produce a truly useful survey of the architectural styles of nine cultural regions. Native People designed and built structures for specific purposes such as worshipping, working, decision-making, dancing, meditating, as well as the routine functions of daily living. The authors present a new perspective on the interaction of the people with their built environment. The use of space, the environment, the cultural values, and spiritual beliefs are examined. Each chapter includes reference to traditional building practices undergoing resurgence in the contemporary lifestyle of Native North Americans. Built structures include longhouse, sweat lodge, hogan, igloo, pueblo, big house, teepee, wigwam, plank house, kiva, pit house, earthlodge and many others. The volume is lavishly illustrated with archival photographs, drawings, architectural renderings, diagrams, and modern photographs. This thoroughly researched reference book is written so that it appeals equally to the trained specialist and students at the high school level. Suggested resource for Grade 9 Expressing Aboriginal Cultures course, Ontario Ministry of Education Course Profile. |
