Longhouse

A longhouse is a traditional dwelling used by some Indigenous peoples of North America, particularly by the Iroquois and other tribes in the Northeast. These structures are typically long and narrow, built from wood and bark, and designed to house multiple families related through matrilineal descent. Inside, longhouses feature shared spaces for living and communal activities. The design reflects the cultural values of cooperation and community, serving as a focal point for social and family life. Longhouses also have significant historical and spiritual importance for the tribes that traditionally constructed and inhabited them.