Hooghan Cabinet

Dwelling

The Hooghan Cabinet is inspired by the traditional hogan, the primary dwelling of the Navajo people, alongside other structures like the summer shelter, underground home, and sweat house. A hogan, characterized by its round, cone-shaped, multi-sided, or square design, with timber or stone walls packed with earth or a bark roof, always faces east to welcome the rising sun for wealth and good fortune. This cabinet reflects the rich heritage and architectural diversity of the Navajo, embodying the essence of their traditional dwellings.

Derived from a journey to Keet Seel (Kawestima), the Hooghan Cabinet pays homage to the prehistoric Puebloan Ancestors who built Tsegi Phase villages in the natural sandstone alcoves of the canyons. These resilient Ancestral Puebloans, dating from AD 1250 to 1300, laid the foundation for current Native American groups in the Southwest region. Designed to represent the early multi-storied pueblos sheltered by cliff walls and overhangs, the cabinet captures the essence of these ancient villages with elements reminiscent of original roof beams, masonry walls, rock art, and hand and foot holds, thrilling all who appreciate the legacy of these remarkable structures.