1) Maidu Homes

The Maidu built different kinds of homes depending on the seasons. In the winter, the Mountain Maidu lived in bark-covered houses. To build a bark home, the Maidu made a circular frame of upright poles. Then they harvested large slabs of redwood or cedar bark. They tied the bark to the frame. They covered the door with animal fur.

The Maidu who lived at the foot of the mountains lived in earthen homes. To build an earth-covered home, the Maidu first dug a hole in the ground. Then they built a wooden frame over the hole. They covered the frame with woven tule (TOO-lee) mats or grass. Then they packed earth on top of the mats.

The Maidu moved often during the summer and gathering seasons. At these times, they lived in temporary brush shelters. They made these homes by standing four poles upright in the ground. The poles supported a flat roof made from tree branches and leaves.