Construction of a Mud Hut (Part II of VII)
Preparing Materials - II
PEELING BARK

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Rope with which to bind the structure together and make it firm and stable is made from the bark of a certain type of local tree. Other fibers are used to make rope for other purpose, but for house building tree bark remains suitable. |
BARK ROPE

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To make the rope pliable, flexible and easy to use, the strips of bark are first soaked in water. The resulting ropes are used to tie horizontal beams to the uprights as well as hold the rafters together. The bark rope is knotted securely while it is wet. As it dries, the bark contracts and so pulls the entire structure tightly together. |
THREE SIDES OF HUT

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This close-up shows the vertical poles more clearly. The bark is left in place to keep the wood protected from insects and moisture. |

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