Willow

@Betsy Barron : www.thebetsy.com: I was just commenting on its shape. The structure itself is known here as a 'Bender'.

Its a bit like a teepee crossed with a yurt. The people here lived in them in times gone by, even up to recent times. They basically consist of a woven willow structure, most were round in shape, and would have been covered in cloth or animal skins. A fire or stove in the middle provided warmth, and they could be easily ported between hunting or grazing sites.

There was a revival in living in 'Benders' some years ago over here, when many people set up alternative communities, and tried for greener lifestyles. A few of these communities still survive. See the links below for more info.

http://www.foto.freeuk.com/coed1.htm