Wetu: A Traditional Wampanoag Dwelling

The Wampanoag have lived in what is now southeastern Massachusetts for more than 12,000 years. They were the first tribe encountered by the Pilgrims when they landed in Patuxet (what is now Plymouth) in 1620. This exhibition features a reproduction of a wetu and a Wampanoag-style demonstration garden. A wetu is a Wampanoag seasonal house, used during the warmer months and usually built near the coast where summer resources are abundant. Traditionally, it was constructed entirely out of readily available natural materials such as cedar saplings, bark, or cattail reeds.

For this project, Heritage has partnered with SmokeSygnals, one of the Northeast’s leading Native American creative agencies. Comprised of members of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, the SmokeSygnals team constructed the wetu over a one-week period in April and May 2021, following centuries-old methods (along with the help of some modern power tools). In August 2021, Robert Peters (Mashpee Wampanoag) designed and painted several hemp mats to adorn the interior of the wetu. The completed wetu combines both natural and synthetic materials. The exhibit also includes a Three Sisters Garden, demonstrating traditional Wampanoag farming techniques and featuring historical varieties of corn, squash, and beans. To learn more about our Three Sister’s Garden, click here.

“I have to say that we truly have fallen in love with the idea of this exhibit. So much of our work has focused on bringing the Native experience to the public and this just feels like such an authentic way to achieve that goal. Delivering the structure will absolutely spark interest from your visitors.”

– Steven Peters, Creative Director, SmokeSygnals

Heritage has commissioned SmokeSygnals, a local Wampanoag-run creative agency, to build a mush8n (pronounced mishoon) that was installed here at Heritage on Wampanoag Heritage Day, July 29, 2023. Visitors were ab;e to watch the last steps of the burning/carving process. Now that it is complete, visitors are able to climb aboard and try sitting in it. This vessel represents the Wampanoag’s strong ties to the ocean—something that has been central to their coastal lifestyle for thousands of years. the mush8n is located on the far side of the parade field on the other side of the paved path.

Open for Viewing: May 10 – October 19, 2025

Location: Near Parade Field

Tickets:

Adults - $25,
Youth (3-17) - $15
Children 2 & Under Free, Members