Sweathouse Navajo National Monument - Shonto AZ
Posted by: 
Don.Morfe
N 36° 40.710 W 110° 32.472
12S E 540993 N 4059306
This miniature forked-stick hogan without a smoke hole is actually a highly effective bath — an ancient solution to the problem of keeping clean in a land where water is scarce.
Waymark Code: WM13DXC
Location: Arizona, United States
Date Posted: 11/18/2020
Views: 1
Sweathouse Navajo National Monument-This miniature forked-stick hogan without a smoke hole is actually a highly effective bath — an ancient solution to the problem of keeping clean in a land where water is scarce.
Here’s how it works: Stones are heated in a fire, then rolled in, or carried in on a wooden fork. The bathers undress outside, and then crawl inside. A blanket is hung over the door opening. Now all it takes is patience while the radiant heat does its work. This is the time for relaxing tired muscles—conversing—and perhaps singing sweathouse songs. Afterward, the bathers emerge from the sweathouse to rinse off with water, if any is available, or to rub dry with the soft, absorbent sand of Navajo country.
Marker Name: Sweathouse
Type of history commemorated: Place
County: Navajo
Name of any agency/ agencies setting marker:
National Park Service
Year placed: 1990
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Visit Instructions:
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