The longhouse is really two long rows of houses facing each other across a central deck. In olden days this design provided some defense against headhunters from other villages. The whole structure is raised on poles so the deck (made of bamboo slats) is level. The deck is the "main street" of the village, as well as the "front lawn" of all the houses. In this public space the villagers see each other frequently as they go about daily activities. The longhouse design forces them to interact and makes them understand that they are a united community.