African Pavilions

These were African pavilions built on American soil inside Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle. The umbrella-like roofs of the pavilions were made by hay and mud, quite thick and strong, and were supported by several strong tree trunks, planks of wood and smaller branches. Several blankets were hung on the wall. I guessed they were used for sitting when there were guests during visits.

I could feel the coolness, comfort and shelter the pavilions provided from the hot sun or heavy downpour of rain in the African Savannas. If they really ever appeared in Africa, they ought to be considered as the most beautiful and luxurious ones. The smaller pavilion on the right in the top photo would be for storage of food or drinks of water or daily provisions because they were protected against wild animals by vertical sticks knitted with very strong rattans.


Such good experience of an African village could have saved me the air-tickets to the heart of Africa and the time spent on dusty and bumpy roads of the vast continent.