Knife River Earthlodge Virtual Tour

Bedding Unit

decorated canopy bead
NPS Photograph


Beds were fitted with canopies from half of an old tipi cover and decorated with the honor marks of the man who occupied it. Folded over a box-shaped structure, the opening faced the fireplace. For a married couple a quilled or painted robe was hung over front to serve as a privacy screen. Children’s beds were unscreened. Finely tanned hides over a layer of prairie grass served as the mattress. Deerskin pillows were stuffed with fragrant sweetgrass.

Restart Tour | Place of Honor | Living Area | Cache Pit | Knife River Welcome