A hogan is a traditional dwelling built and used by the Navajo people of the American Southwest. These sturdy homes have a distinctive rounded or polygonal shape and are constructed from wooden poles, tree bark, and packed earth. The door of a hogan always faces east to greet the rising sun, which holds deep spiritual significance in Navajo culture.

Hogans stay cool in the scorching summer heat and warm during cold desert winters because the thick earthen walls provide natural insulation. Inside, families would gather around a central fire for cooking, warmth, and light. Smoke escaped through an opening in the roof.

While many Navajo families today live in modern houses, hogans remain important. Some families still use them for ceremonies, gatherings, or as a connection to their heritage. When you visit the Navajo Nation in Arizona, New Mexico, or Utah, you might see both old traditional hogans and newer ones built with modern materials but following the same basic design.

To the Navajo people, a hogan is a sacred space that connects the family to their land, traditions, and way of life.