Tipies

Tipies, also spelled tipis or tepees, are conical tents traditionally used by Indigenous peoples of the North American Great Plains. The term tipi comes from the Lakota word thípi, meaning dwelling, and the plural tipís or tipies reflects different linguistic spellings in English. Tipies are designed to be portable and quick to set up, matching the mobile lifestyle of many Plains communities.

Construction and design: A tipie is built around a cone-shaped frame of long lodge-pole poles arranged in a circle and tied at the top. The cover, originally animal hides such as buffalo skins and later canvas, is stretched over the poles and secured at the ground. The lower edge can be wrapped around the frame to seal the tent. A circular opening at the apex acts as a controllable vent or smoke hole, often with a flap to regulate airflow. An access flap near the entrance serves as the door. The interior is typically organized around a central space used for cooking and heating, with the living area arranged around it.

Historical use: Tipies were well suited to the nomadic or semi-nomadic lifestyles of many Plains groups, including the Lakota, Dakota, Nakota, Cheyenne, Crow, and others. The portability of the frame and cover allowed rapid relocation as hunting patterns and seasons changed. In the 19th and 20th centuries, canvas coverings became common, and some communities still use or display tipies for cultural education, ceremonies, and demonstrations.

Modern context: Today tipies appear in cultural centers, powwows, and educational programs, and remain a symbol of Plains Indigenous heritage. Variants exist in size and detailing, reflecting local practices and materials.