Native American architecture

Native American architecture reflects diverse cultural traditions, environments, and histories. Structures range from the tipi—a portable, cone-shaped tent used by Plains tribes—to pueblos made of adobe or stone, built into or around cliffs by southwestern tribes. Longhouses, made of wood and bark, served as communal homes for tribes in the Northeast. Some tribes created mounded structures for ceremonial purposes, while others built intricate dwellings suited to their environment. Overall, Native American architecture emphasizes harmony with nature, craftsmanship, and social significance, with designs tailored to climate, resources, and cultural traditions across different tribes and regions.