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NATIVE AMERICAN SWEAT LODGE | |
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a depression was dug near the door to cradle the rocks, which were heated outside and brought in on forked sticks. Steam was produced by sprinkling the rocks from a straw broom or a hollowed buffalo horn. Although simple to build, every detail was symbolic. |
Three basic
forms of the sweat bath are indigenous to North America: the
hot rock method, used by the Navajos and Sioux; the direct
fire chamber, heated by blazing logs; and a more sophisticated type
relying on a heating duct system believed to be of Mayan
origin.
Sweat lodges are traditionally constructed of willow branches covered with matting, dirt, bark, and grass. In contemporary lodges tarpaulins may be used to aid in steam retention. The lodge is low and entrance is by means of a ground level opening. Inside the hut there is a dugout pit for the heated rocks and participants sit on mats or blankets around the perimeter. In the Shuswap tradition the entrance to the lodge is facing east - where the sun rises. |
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lodges heated directly by fire were usually large enough to accomo- date dozens of men, women rarely being allowed in. A small pilot fire was kept burning most of the day. After hours of talk, gossip and dancing the fire was fed to a noble size, the lodge became torrid and sweating began. When the smoke became unbearable, the men would simply lie flat on the floor and breathe fresher air. |
The earth dug out from the interior pit is mounded outside the entranceway to be used as an altar while the fire for heating the rocks is in a direct line a few feet beyond the altar. Twenty eight volcanic rocks are heated in the flames and the sweat begins when seven of the heated rocks are placed into the interior pit. Entering on your knees you crawl around the left rim of the circle. When all are settled the tarp is closed on the entranceway. If one is to lead s/he then initiates the prayers. The steam rises from incantations of water spilled periodically over the rocks.
Another description
The fire pit starts as a hole 3 feet across, and about 2 feet deep. The dirt that is removed is used to built up the sides of the fire pit, as the flames can get pretty large. In the hole in the very bottom, stack large logs, 3-6 inches in diameter to act as a bottom layer. The idea is to build a fire for the coals, as you want to really cook the rocks.
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MAYAN
SWEATLODGE |
The bottom layer becomes the coals that the rocks sit in. A good rule of thumb is you can always add more wood on top of the rocks, but you'll never get a chance to put more logs under the rocks. The fire has to burn around a minimum 3 hours for the rocks to get good and cooked. The sweat has been covered while the fire burns. Jugs of drinking water are stacked near the entrance to be used during the sweat, and a bucket of water is provided for splashing on the rocks.
The sweat is
first covered with a layer of sheets, then blankets, and finally tarps.
The bottoms of the layer should lay on the ground for about 6-8 inches.
Pile rocks on the bottoms, all around the sweat lodge. This is to seal the
bottom up from drafts. The door is several folded blankets wider than the
opening. The corners of the blankets are tied together, and ropes tie the
corners to rocks or pegs on the other side of the sweat. This acts as a
hinge. Tie the tarps down well if you get strong winds. Before going in,
the entire floor of the sweat is covered in fresh sage. This is keeps you
out of the dirt. Bring the drinking jugs and bucket inside before closing
the door. |
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