“Their houses are all built in the shape of tents, with very high chimneys.”
- August 25th to October 31st, 1451 – May 20th, 1506
- Born in the Republic of Genoa (now Italy)
- Explorer and navigator
- He reached the Americas on his voyage in 1492 and is known as the discoverer of the “New World.”
Quote
“Their houses are all built in the shape of tents, with very high chimneys.”
Explanation
In this quote, Christopher Columbus describes the architecture of the indigenous people he encountered, comparing their homes to tents and noting the presence of high chimneys. The imagery of tents suggests that the indigenous people lived in temporary or mobile structures, which could have been made from materials like animal skins, woven reeds, or wood. The “high chimneys” are an interesting detail, as they imply that the homes were designed to accommodate some form of heating or cooking—likely fires used for warmth or food preparation. The mention of chimneys also suggests a degree of sophistication in the homes, as well as an effort to manage smoke and ensure ventilation, something that would be significant for maintaining a habitable interior in a warm, possibly humid climate.
The description reflects Columbus’s attempt to understand and categorize the material culture of the indigenous people. However, it is important to note that this portrayal may be influenced by Columbus’s own perspective and cultural biases. By comparing indigenous homes to tents, Columbus might have been unconsciously downplaying their permanence or complexity, a common feature in colonial writings where native structures were often viewed as primitive or less sophisticated than European buildings. The European mindset of the time tended to value stone and brick constructions over more organic or adaptable forms of housing.
In modern terms, this quote serves as a reminder of the eurocentric lens through which Columbus and other early explorers often viewed indigenous cultures. While Columbus recognized the practical features of the indigenous homes—such as their ability to manage smoke from fires—the comparison to tents can also reflect an inherent dismissal of indigenous people’s architectural achievements. Today, we recognize that many indigenous cultures had advanced and sustainable architectural practices, often deeply tied to their environment and way of life. This description, then, can also serve as a cautionary example of how early encounters were shaped by misunderstandings and cultural assumptions that often underestimated the richness and sophistication of indigenous societies.
