Due to its widespread use among Plains tribes and its instantly recognizable form, the tipi is an almost universal symbol of Native American life. However, the most unique structure to be designed by indigenous architects has to be the igloo. Constructed of packed ice and snow, this domed structure has remained unchanged for thousands of years. Although it has been misrepresented as a permanent facet of Arctic communities, the igloo is actually a seasonal dwelling that is unique to the Central Inuit tribes of upper North America. The igloo is a product of the peculiar environment of the arctic tundra. Where there is scant vegetation and a prevalence of frozen subsoil known as permafrost, the igloo is the only effective shelter against the harsh arctic winter.
The Inuit tribes of North America occupy a region that extends some 5,000 miles across the northernmost regions of the continent. This area has been classified as the Arctic Cultural Area by anthropologists—and rightly so due to the extreme climate of the region. The indigenous communities of this region have survived amid the almost subzero temperatures of the environment. The indigenous communities that live in this region are often referred to collectively as Arctic Peoples, with Inuit and Aleut being the primary subdivisions. The two groups share the same language family, Eskimaleut, as well as several cultural traits. During the “warmer” months, Central Inuit (formerly referred to as Eskimo) communities live in a variety of structures that are similar to those of other indigenous communities. However, when the icy blast of the arctic winter descends, these communities construct a more effective seasonal dwelling.
The site of the igloo is just as important as the method used to construct it. After a recent snowfall, a survey is taken of the area to determine the most viable option. An igloo is constructed on a flat surface that is relatively devoid of vegetation and has hardened into ice. The foundation of the structure is made on the flat ice by outlining a circle that is fifteen feet wide. From the surrounding permafrost (permanently frozen subsoil), the architect cuts several blocks that are 24 inches long, 20 inches wide, and 4 inches thick. These blocks will form the outer walls of the structure. Once the essential components of the igloo are extracted from the surrounding permafrost, the intricate architectural design becomes apparent.
The widest portion of the igloo is the base, which is constructed of a circle of permafrost bricks. With each ascending layer, the architect leans the component bricks inward to create a domed roof for the structure. This technique has the effect of requiring less bricks with each additional layer. A large, removable block of permafrost is placed at the top of the structure to cover the dwelling’s smoke hole. Although the blocks would tend to bond together during the building process, a layer of packed snow is subsequently added to the exterior in order to create a natural mortar. A domed entryway is connected to the structure and covered in animal fur to protect the occupants from the elements. Additional rooms can be constructed and added if necessary. Some igloos have contained a living area with kitchen, a separate bedroom, and a storage facility attacked to the back of the structure.
The inside of an igloo contains all the accommodations of a comfortable dwelling. Beds are constructed by adding furs to the ice floor. The building is illuminated by oil burning stone lamps. When the kitchen fire is burning, the smoke hole is opened up to provide ventilation. Clear blocks of ice were used to create windows, thus allowing for a frosted glass effect within the structure. Although the igloo has been replaced by more contemporary housing, it remains an important part of Central Inuit cultural and stands out for its unique design. It has been viewed as wonder of architectural achievement, particularly with respect to the environment in which it is constructed.
Mark C Carnes, Ed, U.S. History. (New York: MacMillan Library Reference, 1996).
Kenneth C. Davis, Don’t Know Much About History. (New York: Harper Collins Publishers, 2003).
Gilbert Legay, Atlas of Indians. (Hauppage: Barron’s, 1995)
Carl Waldman, Atlas of the North American Indian. (New York: Checkmark Book, 2000).
