Sweathouse

Sweathouse. Navajo National Monument. This miniature forked-stick hogan without a smoke hole is actually a highly effective bath , an ancient solution to the problem of keeping clean in a land where water is scarce., Here’s how it works: Stones are heated in a fire, then rolled in, or carried in on a wooden fork. The bathers undress outside, and then crawl inside. A blanket is hung over the door opening. Now all it takes is patience while the radiant heat does its work. This is the time for relaxing tired muscles, conversing, and perhaps singing sweathouse songs. Afterward, the bathers emerge from the sweathouse to rinse off with water, if any is available, or to rub dry with the soft, absorbent sand of Navajo country.