brush arbor

Encyclopedia Article

Article

A temporary shelter that consists of a roof constructed out of tree branches or brush that are held up by poles. Often used in the Southwest to provide shade. For the Navajo, brush arbors function as temporary hogans during the summer months and are often erected at sheep camps or even on the vicinity of the primary female hogan associated with the matriarch of a family. The brush arbor may be used by females to perform non-ceremonial daily activities during the summer.

Photo Credit: 

 
"Navajo family in their summer hogan, circa 1955," photograph by New Mexico Tourism Bureau. New Mexico Magazine Collection, Album 28 (HP.2007.20.591), Palace of the Governors Photo Archive, New Mexico History Museum. Use with permission only.

Published Works: 
The Blessing Way (1970)
Listening Woman (1978)
The Ghostway (1984)
Term Type: 
Built Environment Reference