House Structures

House Structures. Aztalan National Historic Landmark. Houses at Aztalan include examples of building styles typical of both Late Woodland and Mississippian construction techniques. Late Woodland structures tend to have circular floor plans with wall posts set into individual post holes, and were commonly sided with bark and animal skins. Mississippian houses are typically rectangular with wall posts set in trenches and house walls plastered with a mixture of mud and grasses like the much larger stockades., Although they were not built in rows, the homes were densely grouped, indicative of community planning. These homes were year-round residences and many had entrances facing south, away from harsh winter winds. Interiors were furnished with pole frame beds, likely covered with tamarack boughs, deer skins, and furs. Fire pits were located either in the center of the living area or near the entrance, with a central vent hole in the roof to help disperse smoke., Photo captions (left): The residential area of the site is highlighted (shaded area) above. , (top right): House types identified at Aztalan. , (bottom right): Aztalan's "round" house type.