Stilt-house of Tujia People

Stilt-house of Tujia People – Brief Introduction

Most Tujia People live in stilt-houses. Stilt-house is a traditional house style, which is adapted to natural conditions. It is of rich folk characteristics.

Generally, the stilt-houses were built along the terrain and were wooden structured. It highly above the ground and pillars were settled to support the upper floors of the house. It is ventilated and dry and could also protect people from being attacked by poisonous snakes and beasts.

There is no wall for the ground floor of Stilt-house of Tujia People since it always used to store fertilizers or chain the cattle. The bedrooms dinning room or daughters' boudoir are always located in the second floor of the stilt-house. People could enjoy enough sunshine live in such a house.

Stilt-house of Tujia People – Origin and Development

Stilt-house of Tujia People was originated from the rail-structured architectures. It has a history of more than 4000 years. It is a common architectural form widely used by Tujia people in Hubei Province, Hunan Province, Guizhou Province and Chongqing. As a material culture, it reflects the historical development and culture of Tujia people.

Stilt-house of Tujia People integrates practicality and beauty. As a symbol of Tujia People's material culture, stilt-house meets the need of people's material life and spiritual life. It decorated its natural surroundings and makes itself a part of the nature. In a world, stilt-house of Tujia people has rich cultural connotations.