Wichita Grass-House
Image Not Available
for Wichita Grass-House
Wichita Grass-House
Artist
Edward Sheriff Curtis
(1868 - 1952)
Date1930
MediumPhotogravure
ClassificationsPrint
Credit LineCrystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, Arkansas, 2005.28.655
Accession number
2005.28.655
DescriptionPlate 654On View
Not on viewLabel TextThe Wichita lived in grass houses made of forked cedar poles which were covered by dried grass laid in regular rounds in shingle fashion. Each round was held in place by light rods fastened with elm bark to the supporting framework. Shaped like cones, these houses could be as large as 15 to 30 feet across and fit four to twelve beds. They included a central smoke-hole in the roof and doors placed at opposite sides to allow a cross current. These houses were very well made and lasted for many years. The erection of a grass house was accompanied by a ceremony involving prayer, song, dance, and feast.