Aliiah Myers works on traditional Choctaw winter home
Photo by Christian Toews/Choctaw Nation

Aliiah Myers mixes up the clay used to coat the outside of the traditional shelter.

Winter Tradition Continues at Choctaw Cultural Center

Published November 21, 2022

DURANT, Okla. – The Choctaw Cultural Center offered the public a messy, but educational opportunity recently for a hands-on experience to “mud” a traditional Choctaw winter home. Early-day Choctaws gathered mud from nearby rivers and creeks, water, and hay or grass to make a sticky clay. That material would bind between logs of the structure. This method would serve as insulation and a protective shell against the natural elements. More than 20 participants joined in the session held earlier this month. “The guests enjoyed the experience and community efforts like our ancestors,” said Brenner Billy, program coordinator at the center. Activities for all ages are scheduled through the holiday season at the Choctaw Cultural Center and can be found on the Events page.

Photo

Hands-on experience to "mud" a traditional Choctaw winter home
Photo by Christian Toews/Choctaw Nation

From left to right Arianna Myers, Colt, James and Cheyhoma Dugger all work together to throw and spread clay on the outside of a traditional Choctaw shelter.