Historical inconsistencies: Huron longhouse length, hearth number and time

Abstract

Data from three Middle Ontario Iroquoian period villages in Simcoe County reveal an anomalous pattern of hearth spacing. They show greater variability and longer average spacing than is normally assumed for Ontario Iroquoian longhouses. We interpret this as an exaggerated expression of the symbolism of power and prestige normally associated with large lineages and longer houses.