Dakotah women owned the bark lodges.  They built the structure with the exception of the roof, which was considered man’s work. Men usually took the heavy bark off the trees and hauled it to the village for construction.  Following the winter and spring seasons away from the village, there were always repairs to be made to the lodge. 

Throughout the summer season the Dakotah grew crop gardens, collected wild fruits and fished. The men would also hunt for deer, elk and bison. Many Dakotah would also practice other skills such as tanning, beadwork, and bow making during the long summer days.

What is inside the Bark Lodge?