What are Tipis?
No dwelling in the world stirs the imagination like the tipi of the Plains Indian. It is one of the most picturesque of all shelters and one of the most practical movable dwellings. The Indians were resourceful, ingenious people, they developed a structure that was portable, warm in the winter, cool in the summer, easy to pitch yet because of its conical shape could withstand terrific winds or driving rain.
The tipi is comfortable, roomy, and very well ventilated. It proved to be the perfect shelter for roaming the Great Plains following the buffalo herds up and down the country. Likewise it proved ideal in a more permanent camp during the long winters on the prairies.
Buffalo was the material used by the Indians to cover the tipi, although elk and other hides were used. Lodge pole pine was used for the framework. Anywhere from 10 to 20 hides were used for the cover of the tipi, sewn together with sinew by tribe members who had the skills for tipi construction. Each tribe would have a specific style but the tipis were all very similar. Different tribes used either a four-pole lodge or a three-pole configuration. The four-pole lodge used by the Crow Indians had shorter smoke flaps and a different cut at the base of the tipi. When canvas was introduced to the Native Indians the tribes were quick to realise that this material was lighter in weight and much easier to sew than buffalo hides.
Anyone can appreciate its beauty of form and line, and no camper who has ever used a Tipi would credit any other tent with such comfort and utility. The Tipi is a shelter that should appeal to every outdoors person.