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Wigwam

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Woodland Roamer:
Here are some pics of a wigwam I built this spring. I collected most of the bark first and then started on the frame. I stripped the bark from the frame poles and charred the bottoms of them in the fire. I used inner bark from a willow tree to tie the whole thing together. I learned a lot building this one that I could apply to another if I get the chance so if anyone is looking to build one I'll be glad to help.
It's on a nice site along a river with a spring coming in. I've found a lot of artifacts here over the years so this is not the first structure like this to be built here for sure. This thing was a lot of work to build but it was worth it. I'm going to be staying in this a lot during hunting season this fall and hope to bring back a lot of fish and game to cook on the fire! I'm looking to have a good working camp going with places to knap, tan hides, cook, maybe make pottery, just whatever comes to mind. I'm also wanting to make a dugout canoe to use in the river so if anyone in the area has a good poplar or white pine log that I could use let me know.
Alan
The first of the frame in place

Inner bark from willow tree used as lashing


The bark going on. I drilled holes and tied it on with the willow lashing


Putting the roof on

Hillbilly:
That's just too cool, Alan, looks like the centerpiece of a great primitive camp. Thanks for posting it.

Woodland Roamer:
A few more
A view of camp




A couple from inside


The first fire

Pat B:
Very cool, Alan. What kind of bark is it? Looks like poplar. Why do you char the pole bottoms? protection from rot?  I could easily live in there...or at least stay in it during a hunting trip.   
   I have plenty of poplar and white pine if you want to cut and haul from the camp-o-rama. There will be lots of help.  ;)         Pat

Woodland Roamer:
Thanks Steve.

Thanks Pat, yes it is poplar bark and yes charring the poles where they go in the ground is supposed to help prevent rot. Yeah I could use a little more bark to patch up a few spots or a big log for a dugout canoe.  :)

Alan

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