This book presents building traditions of the major Indian tribes in nine regions of the North American continent, from the huge, plankhouse villages of the Northwest Coast, to the moundbuilder towns and temples of the Southeast, to the Navajo hogans and adobe pueblos of the Southwest. Indian buildings are a central element of Indian culture, the symoblic summation of tribal activity; they also provide the security of a sense of "place" for the tribal inhabitants in their environment. Native American architecture is more than buildings, villages, or camps; its definition includes the environment, the people's social mores, religious beliefs, and utilization of space. The book portrays the ancient social customs, economic lives, and technological skills of each tribe, emphasizing the major role played by cosmological concepts and ritual life in the architectural systems of the particular tribe. The chapters are (1) Wigwam and Longhouse--Northeast and Great Lakes; (2) Mound, Town, and Chickee--Southeast; (3) Earthlodge, Grass House, and Tipi--Great Plains; (4) Pit House and Extended Tipi--Plateau; (5) Winter House, Iglu, and Tent--Arctic; (6) Plank House--Northwest Coast; (7) Wood, Earth, and Fiber--California; (8) Hogan, Ki, and Ramada--Southwest I; and (9) Pueblo--Southwest II. The book contains historical photographs, architectural renderings, interpretative diagrams, charts, and maps. An annotated bibliography is formatted to correspond to the chapter divisions. A glossary and index are included. (ALL)