The Nimi'ipuu

What kind of shelter did the Nez Perce people have?

The Nimi'ipuu lived in groups of extended families, in small villages along streams and rivers.  The principal Nimi'ipuu house was the tule mat-covered long house.  The length varied, but could be over 100 feet long.  These dwellings were used for ceremonial purposes, and for winter housing by several families.  There were several rows of hearths in the center of the structure, used by several families.  At times, semi subterranean dormitories were used in conjunction with the long house to accommodate single men and women.  House pits or excavated dwellings were also used by families simultaneously with the mat-covered long house structures.  These structures became less popular after the introduction of the tipi.  The tipi is made using twelve wood poles with tule mat covers which were eventually replaced by bison skins during the late 18th century.  After the introduction of trade, canvas covers replaced the bison skin and tule mats.  Historically, a few semi subterranean plank and log homes were found among the Nimi'ipuu .  A circular semi subterranean Plateau sweat house was always part of the permanent Nimi'ipuu settlements, as were the women's menstrual huts, and the submerged hot bath.

Today Nimi'ipuu live in modern homes.  We still camp and travel using the tipi for shelter, because the tipi is very portable.