teepee

A teepee (also tipi) is a conical tent traditionally used by Indigenous peoples of the Great Plains in North America. It is built with a frame of long wooden poles that lean toward the center and are lashed at the top to form a cone. The frame is covered with animal hides, typically buffalo hides in historic use, or with canvas in modern times. A fire inside the structure creates a central hearth, with a smoke hole at the apex and a weather flap at the entrance to regulate ventilation.

Construction and design: The poles are arranged in a cone and lashed where they cross. The covering is stretched over the frame and secured with lashings, allowing the shelter to be removed and transported when the family moves. The opening at the top provides ventilation and smoke escape, while the doorway flap controls entry and weather. Interiors are commonly organized around a central hearth, with space for seating and storage, and the exterior or interior may be decorated with painted designs.

Usage and cultural context: The teepee is associated with several Plains tribes, including the Lakota, Dakota, Nakota, Crow, Cheyenne, and Blackfoot, with variations among groups. The term tipi derives from the Lakota thípi, meaning “they dwell” or “a house.” In contemporary times, canvas teepees are widely used for camping and education, while many Indigenous communities continue to use traditional hide-covered structures for ceremonial purposes and cultural preservation.