Pshawzetan

A Pshawzetan (Hapšâw'l: Pšâwzêtân - standing cover), often shortened to pshawze is a type of temporary dwelling, or tent, traditionally used by the Fishermen people of Hapšâw. It's considered to be the predecessor of permanent wooden and stone buildings found on the island, it's hexagonal shape later becoming the characteristic hexagonal and triangular layout of Hapšâw'l Architecture. The tent was used when fishermen communities would come ashore in search of food and supplies, or to work on the boats. Pshawzetans are still in use among some fishermen, many can be seen in fishermen settlements such as Hêbera or Šira, though tents in these communities are often permanent structures.

History

The tents have been mentioned in texts as old as 383 TT, but are believed to be much older. The use of fabric suggests that the tents cannot predate the first agricultural settlements of the island, they are however believed to be older than Tokšahalna.

Construction

A pshawze is constructed out of six 2-3m long wooden beams, all of which are tapered on both ends and one longer and thicker beam, as well as sturdy triangular linan and leather sheets. Modern tents may include a hatch to be placed on the top of the tent, allowing for a campfire or stove to be placed within the pshawzetan. The sheets which are meant to function as the entrance are often larger than the rest, allowing them to be parted when entering, they may feature straps to secure them in place during the night.

Assembly

1. First, the layout of the structure is determined, several pieces of rope, all of equal length are used to mark out the spots in which the beams will be buried.
2. The smaller beams are inserted into pre-made holes in the linan sheets, the tapering ensures they will not fall through. Each beam is first threaded through two sheets, so that they form a ring, a second set of sheets, made out of leather, is then added, running in the opposite way, to minimize the amount of wind getting in.
3. The structure is moved into place.
4. The central, larger beam is placed in the center, then the six smaller beams are then lifted upright, rested on the central beam, and secured with rope, the bottom ends are then dug into the sand.
5. The tops of the sheets are threaded through the top of the central beam, and secured in place with a decorative ring referred to as the "nimni".
6. A carpet may be placed on the floor of the structure.