510 NAVAHO HOUSES [ETH ANN. 17 
base, suggests a truncated pyramid; but as it is roughly covered 
with earth heaped over the entire structure it is externally little more 
than a shapeless mound. Plate LXxx1x is an exterior view of one of 
these special hogans, which is also shown in plan in figure 241, 
When it has been decided to build an tyd¢askuni all the young men 
of the neighborhood join in the labor while some of the older men direct 
them in the prescribed methods. The procedure is much the same as 
that employed in building the regular hogan, but larger timbers are 
required. Any kind of timber growing in the vicinity is used; but as 
N. 
5S 
Fig, 241—Ground plan of Yébitcai house 
groves of pinon and juniper are most abundant in the Navaho country, 
these are the kinds usually employed. The stunted, twisted trunks of 
these trees make it a matter of some difficulty to find the necessary 
timbers of sufficient size, for they must be at least a foot in diameter. 
When found, the trees are cut down and carried to the site selected, 
which must have fairly level surroundings, free from dense wood and 
underbrush, so as to afford a clear space for the ceremonial processions 
and dances. Jour heavy posts are necessary—‘ legs,” the Navaho 
call them—and these must be trimmed so as to leave a strong fork at 
the top of each at least 6 feet from the ground when set upright. Four 
