tepee

Tepee, also spelled tipi or teepee, is a conical tent traditionally used by nomadic Indigenous peoples of the North American Great Plains. It consists of a conical frame of long wooden poles arranged around a central axis and covered with animal hides, usually buffalo hides, in pre-contact times; later coverings include canvas.

At the apex, the poles converge and are fastened; a smoke hole near the top can be closed or opened with a cap or flaps. The interior typically features a central fire, with a raised area or a fire pit and a smoke flap above the entrance to control airflow. The doorway is a vertical opening with a flap that can be rolled up.

Because the frame and cover are portable, tepees can be set up quickly and transported by a camp when moving to follow prey. The circular base provides stability in winds and a roomy interior.

Tepees were used by many Plains tribes including the Lakota, Dakota, Nakota (Sioux), Cheyenne, Arapaho, Crow, and others. Variations exist in size, finishing materials, and decorative designs; paintings and beadwork often carry symbolic meanings.

Today tepees are still used in some ceremonial contexts and cultural demonstrations, and they are manufactured for educational programs and tourism. Spelling varies: tipi, tepee, and teepee all appear in English, with many Indigenous communities favoring tipi as the traditional form.