Chickee

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Chickee

A Chickee or Chiki is a kind of pile hut, the Indian tribe of Seminoles from Florida was developed. 'chiki' is the Seminole word for "house". The architectural style of the Chikis - palm leaf roof on bald cypress poles - was invented in the early 19th century when the Seminoles, pursued by US troops, needed fast, light housing in order to be able to escape quickly. Raised wooden platforms were also installed in a sleeping and working chiki, which served on the one hand for cooling and on the other hand to protect against small animals and floods. Each chiki had its own purpose (cooking, sleeping, eating, working). Taken together, they formed organized, almost communal-like villages.

Chikis in modern times

Chikis are still built by the Mikasuki (Miccosukee) tribe in the Everglades. Wealthy residents of South Florida like to build chicki-like huts to decorate the garden or pool.

Chickis are also built in the remote areas of Everglades National Park , where mangrove swamps and large lakes prevent camping on dry ground. They were built primarily for outdoor campers; their platform is at least one meter above the water and can comfortably accommodate four to five campers. They also contain portable toilet facilities. Some "double chicis" are connected by bridges and can accommodate eight to ten people.