In the Northwest, Native American cultures lived in a shelter known as
the plank house. The plank house varied in shape and design according to the
tribe who was building it. It varied from a simple shed-like building to a
partly underground shelter like the Mogollon shelter. The plank
house was made primarily from wood pieces found along the wooded
areas near the sea or water body. Each house was built by placing the wood on
poles imbedded in the ground. Eventually the roof was placed on top in a
upside-down V shape. These houses were considered very durable to the
environment, especially dampness and rain.
The villages of the Northwest revolved around the environment which enveloped them. Large structures of enormous logs notched and fitted together became the primary housing for most of the peoples of this region. Each of these houses had a central living area and distinct, private sections for sleeping areas for the many families which lived there. Other wooden structures were used for ceremonial purposes as well as for birthing mothers and burial sites.
Villages were semi-permanent in that they were used all winter long and then taken apart to provide housing for the summer months. During the winter, these houses were located near the sea, but with the advent of spring, the houses were dismantled and relocated near rivers for the spawning season of the local salmon. Status among the villagers was labeled by totem poles in front of their dwellings as well as material wealth in the form of baskets, cloaks, ornaments, and food. Procurement of food was based on hunting and gathering. Because of the climate, gardening did not seem to be of use, rather the use of acorns and of local animals became the primary form of subsistence. Whaling was one of the main sources of meat and, as the hunters periodically brought home these enormous creatures, ceremonies along the banks of the villages were held in the whales' honor.