Making a Washoe Winter House

Steps to build:

1. Interlock three or four poles so that the poles are the same distance apart at the bottom as the poles are long. This gives the frame stability.
2. The poles of the frame are buried in the ground and tied together at the top with willows.
3. A number of long willows or poles are leaned against the frame.
4. The final covering depended upon the materials available. Materials such as cedar bark, bundles of grass or tousles, or cedar boughs.
5. This layer was tied onto the poles with willows, cattail leaves, or strips of deer hide. The covering was put on in layers doing the bottom row first to shed the rain.
6. A second covering of sod, branches, or brush was put over the first layer. It was done in a manner similar to the first covering.

Activities for a Winter House:

• Make a miniature winter house by following the instructions given.
• Write an explanation of how to make a winter house and draw a picture of what a winter house may look like.