The yurt is a
moveable dwelling still in use with some peoples of Central Asia
and Africa. Yurts originated with nomadic Mongolian conquerors who,
with their horses, overtook the plains of the great Central Asian
steppes. When they arrived at a new site, they made yurts with collapsible walls of willow poles,
with a door and domed roof covered with felt made from animal wool.
Dried grass, animal hair and leather ties were used for lashing
parts together.
Amazingly sturdy, a good yurt, which was often part of
a woman's dowry, could last from 50 to
60 years. In the winter,
extra felt was added to the outside for warmth. In the summer, felt
sides could be rolled up to admit air. They could be taken apart or
put together in under an hour.
Yurts are thought by some to be a derivation of the tipi, preferred by hunting nomads. Pastoral
nomads needed more room for their supplies and for tending baby animals, however, and therefore chose yurts as their habitat.
Additionally, yurts are better suited for the high winds of the rocky mountain plains because of their domed shape. The word "yurt" comes
from a Turkish root word meaning "dwelling."
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