Last updated: February 23, 2021
Place
Winter Home (pit house site)
NPS / Illustration by Eric S. Carlson
Quick Facts
Location:
Copper Center, Alaska
Significance:
wayside
Designation:
National Park and Preserve
Amenities
2 listed
Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Scenic View/Photo Spot
The two depressions on the west side of the trail may once have been part of an
Ahtna homesite 300-500 years ago. Ahtna settlements consisted of semi-permanent winter villages and seasonal hunting and fishing camps. Several families lived together in villages, while single families or individuals dwelled in seasonal camps.
Winter houses, built with the materials at hand, provided a warm refuge from the deep cold. Telling stories and riddles were popular activities during the long dark hours. Through these stories elders taught about the nature of the universe and moral obligations to other beings.
Winter food supplies were kept in caches above and below ground. Foods such as salmon, berries and roots were stored in bark-lined underground pit caches. The stored berries and roots were packed in birch bark baskets. Although food storage methods have changed, the Ahtna of today continue to harvest and store salmon and berries for winter use.
Ahtna homesite 300-500 years ago. Ahtna settlements consisted of semi-permanent winter villages and seasonal hunting and fishing camps. Several families lived together in villages, while single families or individuals dwelled in seasonal camps.
Winter houses, built with the materials at hand, provided a warm refuge from the deep cold. Telling stories and riddles were popular activities during the long dark hours. Through these stories elders taught about the nature of the universe and moral obligations to other beings.
Winter food supplies were kept in caches above and below ground. Foods such as salmon, berries and roots were stored in bark-lined underground pit caches. The stored berries and roots were packed in birch bark baskets. Although food storage methods have changed, the Ahtna of today continue to harvest and store salmon and berries for winter use.