Sweat lodge

The sequence of images shows the preparation of the sweat lodge. First covering the ash frame with layers of blankets and setting the stones on a pyre in the fire pit... throwing a tarpaulin over the lodge in case it rains (and to keep the steam inside)...finally burning the pyre to heat the stones to red heat.
The ceremony and ritual is led by a shaman from the Oglala Lakota people. Lots of chanting, purification with herbs and preparation of the hot stones before they are placed into a pit in the middle of the lodge. Once all the stones are in place the lodge is closed by two people outside and the temperature begins to rise and then he dribbles some water on an the stream starts mildly at first, then lots of water and masses of steam. I have hot saunas but this is far hotter. But just when you think it is too hot the shaman calls out and the door is opened from outside to let in cool ambient air. After a few cycles of intense heat and cool air you are done and start the ritual exit of the lodge.
The sweat lodge is a very ancient practice: the Scandinavian sauna, the Turkish hammam, both have now become a domestic appliance, the Roman steam bath, the Celtic vapour house and the American inipi.