Hogans were the traditional dwelling of the Diné (Navajo) and there are two different types of hogans , the male hogan and the female hogan. The male hogan is rounder and has a short framed entrance structure that opens to the outdoors facing east. Inside, it has a main support typically comprised of three heavier logs and and an square opening on the roof/ceiling to see the sky and stars. These three main logs are forked to be able to support each other and the rest of the hogan. In addition to being a dwelling, male hogans also have a ceremonial purpose. Also, after it is constructed, the inside of a hogan is blessed before it is put to use with cornmeal or corn pollen at the main posts in a clockwise manner. Both the male and female hogans are used as dwellings though. Traditionally, hogans were built without any nails or any supporting materials but, if used, they are sparingly used in the construction of hogans nowadays. The outside of a hogan is covered in clay to provide further...
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