tipis

Tipi, also spelled tepee or teepee, is a conical tent traditionally used by Indigenous peoples of the Great Plains in North America. It is designed to be portable and durable, able to withstand windy conditions while remaining relatively easy to set up or take down.

Construction and design: A tipi consists of a frame of long wooden poles arranged in a cone and tied at the top, typically 12 to 20 poles forming a supporting skeleton. A covering of animal hides, usually buffalo hide, or later canvas, is wrapped around the frame to form a cone with a circular base. A smoke hole at the apex allows ventilation and, when needed, a flap at the entrance can be opened or closed. Inside, a central hearth is commonly used for cooking and heating, with space around it for seating and storage. The bottom edge is often lowered or tied to a ring to help weatherproofing and stability.

Materials and portability: Historically, hides and wood were the primary materials; the design emphasizes light weight and rapid relocation, a feature enhanced by the use of travois or pack animals. The conical shape provides stability in high winds and minimizes heat loss.

Cultural context and use: Tipis were widely used by many Plains tribes, including the Lakota, Dakota, Nakota, and others, though some groups such as the Mandan and Hidatsa relied on permanent earth lodges in winter. Tipis served as family dwellings, ceremonial spaces, and symbols of mobility and plains life. In modern times, canvas tipis are used for cultural demonstrations, education, and camping, and the traditional design continues to influence contemporary Indigenous art and architecture.

Etymology: The word tipi originates from a Sioux word meaning “they dwell”; variations such as tepee and teepee reflect historical spellings in English.