Did American Indians have some version of bathrooms or latrines?
James White
Goliad, Texas
American Indians generally did their “business” in the most convenient place not far from their tipis. Indians dug latrines away from the tipis and fresh water. During the most brutal weather, these latrines would be placed close by. Human waste froze in the winter and didn’t smell nearly as much as in the summer.
Just about everything the various tribes did or used was biodegradable. On the whole, Indian communities were far more hygienic than folks residing in European cities.
If you have a question, write: Ask the Marshall, P.O. Box 8008, Cave Creek, AZ 85327 or e-mail him at marshall.trimble@scottsdalecc.edu
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