Answer:
The Cahuilla people, who historically inhabited parts of Southern California, including the Coachella Valley and surrounding areas, lived in houses that were adapted to the desert environment. Their traditional housing structures included:
Kish (Domed Houses): The primary traditional dwelling of the Cahuilla was the kish, also known as a "domed house." Kish were round, dome-shaped structures constructed with a framework of wooden poles. These poles were covered with a variety of materials, including bundles of desert plants like willow, tule reeds, and palm fronds. The exterior was often coated with mud or clay to help insulate and weatherproof the structure.
Wickiups: In addition to kish, Cahuilla people sometimes used smaller, more temporary structures called "wickiups." Wickiups were typically constructed with a framework of slender branches or saplings, covered with brush, leaves, and sometimes animal skins. They were easily assembled and disassembled, making them suitable for short-term camps or for use during hunting and gathering trips.
Palm-Frond Shelters: Given the abundance of palm trees in the region, Cahuilla people often used palm fronds to construct various types of shelters, including lean-tos and shade structures. These shelters were simpler and more open than the kish or wickiups and were typically used for shade during the hot desert days.
The design and construction of Cahuilla houses and shelters were adapted to the arid and often extreme climate of the region, providing protection from the sun, wind, and occasional rain while allowing for ventilation. These traditional housing structures reflected the Cahuilla people's deep understanding of their environment and their resourcefulness in using local materials for their survival. Today, while many Cahuilla people live in modern homes, efforts are made to preserve and maintain their traditional knowledge and cultural heritage, including traditional house construction techniques.
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