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Reconstruction of thatch repair of a Mississippian
wall-trench house, Cahokia Mounds Museum.

Although families in other parts of the Mississippian world had both summer and an adjacent winter homes, this does not appear to be the case in the American Bottom. Post-hole patterns suggest some residences did have canopied, open structures.

It is interesting to note that few houses had interior hearths. For winter warmth people probably relied on hide robes and their sleeping partner. The semi-subterranean house floors provided some insulation as well. On those houses with central hearths, it seems likely that a hole in the roof remained let smoke escape. Doorways were probably simple in design and covered by mats or hides. Window openings may or may not have been present.


Reconstruction of a Mississippian home with a central hearth,
Dickson Mounds Museum.

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