Pronunciation: [wˈɪkiˌʌp] (IPA) 
Wikiup is a term used to describe a type of shelter historically used by Native Americans. The word is spelled using the English alphabet as "wikiup", but the phonetic transcription is /ˈwɪkiˌʌp/. In this transcription, the stress is on the first syllable "wi". The "w" is pronounced as usual, as is the "i" which is pronounced "ih". The "k" is pronounced as "kay" and the "u" is pronounced as "uh". Finally, the "p" is pronounced as "puh".
A wikiup refers to a traditional Native American dwelling that is constructed using a framework of branching poles or saplings covered with vegetation, such as brush, leaves, grass, or bark. This term is primarily associated with the indigenous tribes of the southwestern and western regions of the United States, including the Apache, Navajo, and Pueblo people. The word "wikiup" is derived from the Algonquian language family, particularly the Narragansett dialect, where it was initially used to describe a temporary shelter.
A typical wikiup is characterized by its domed or conical shape, which helps protect the inhabitants from the elements and provides stability to withstand winds and other harsh weather conditions. The frame is usually made by bending young and flexible trees or branches to shape the structure, which is then covered with vegetation to create a weather-resistant barrier. Often, additional layers of insulative materials, such as hides or blankets, were added for enhanced comfort.
Wikiups are considered to be relatively simple and quick to construct, making them ideal for short-term or seasonal use. They were commonly utilized by nomadic or semi-nomadic Native American tribes as hunting, gathering, or temporary storage shelters during their travels. The materials used for wikiups were readily available in the surrounding environment, allowing for easy construction and dismantle, leaving minimal impact on the land.
Today, wikiups still hold cultural and historical significance for many Native American communities. They serve as reminders of traditional building techniques, ancestral practices, and a way of life that has shaped the cultural heritage of indigenous peoples.
The word "wikiup" originated from the Western Apache language, which is spoken by the Apache Native American tribes in the southwestern United States. It is derived from the Apache word "wîckê:ʼ", pronounced as "wi-kuh", which means "dwelling" or "house". The term was later anglicized as "wikiup" and has been widely adopted in English to refer to a type of traditional Native American shelter or hut made from a framework of branches covered in grass, leaves, or other natural materials.
