Tipi
A tipi, also spelled tepee, is a traditional cone-shaped dwelling that holds significant cultural importance among various Plains Indigenous peoples, including the Arapaho, Cheyenne, Crow, Dakota, and Kiowa. The term "tipi" derives from the Dakota language, meaning "they dwell," reflecting its role as a home. Constructed primarily with wooden poles and covered with animal hides or bark, tipis were designed for practicality and comfort in the Plains environment. The structure typically features a conical shape to effectively manage airflow and protect against rain, with an arrangement that allows for efficient heating and cooling.
Historically, tipis were portable, easily assembled and disassembled for migration, often transported by dogs before the horse became central to Plains life, which allowed for larger structures. Inside, a fire pit provided warmth, while the door traditionally faced east, aligning with spiritual beliefs. In larger encampments, the arrangement of tipis reflected clan or religious ties. Today, modern versions utilize diverse materials and can be found in various sizes, continuing to serve both practical and cultural purposes. Tipis exemplify the ingenuity and adaptability of Indigenous architecture, representing a deep connection to the land and community values.
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Tipi
- TRIBES AFFECTED: Arapaho, Cheyenne, Crow, Dakota, Kiowa, Pawnee, many others, usually Plains Indigenous Americans
- SIGNIFICANCE: Undoubtedly the most widely known of all Indigenous American structures, the tepee is a practical and comfortable form of shelter that was ideally suited to life on the Plains
The tepee (with alternative spellings of "teepee" and "tipi") is a cone-shaped dwelling made of wooden poles covered with skin or bark that was used primarily by the Plains peoples. The word is Dakota in origin and combines the words ti, meaning to dwell, and pi, which refers to the third-person plural, or “they.” Thus, the word in translation means “they dwell.” It is one of the most well-known dwellings from Indigenous American architecture on the Plains.
The tepee was made of three primary poles, usually of willow because of its smoothness and strength, 20 to 30 feet long, tied together at the top. Fifteen to sixteen more poles, slightly shorter, were added, along with the lifting pole used to raise them. Two smoke flap holes were used to aid in the control of air flow. The conical structure was tilted slightly to keep rain out and assist air circulation. It was covered with animal hides, usually buffalo or deer, or with bark of various sorts, depending on the locale. A flap was used for the door, which was secured with wooden pegs.
Before the introduction of the horse, these portable lodgings would be about 12 to 15 feet across at the base and could be readily and rapidly assembled and disassembled. They were dragged along behind large domesticated dogs, the main poles slung across their backs, with the secondary poles and skin covering carried between them. After the horse became an integral part of Plains culture, the tepee increased in size and could be from 20 to 30 feet across at the base.
For winter use, a secondary lining was made for the interior to increase the insulating properties of the outer covering. A fire pit was dug in the middle of the floor, and the ground was often cleared and packed hard, then covered with grasses, leaves, and hides. These dwellings were very warm and comfortable in the winter, and they could be made open and airy in the warmer seasons by removing the lining, opening the flap, and raising the outer covering a few inches above the ground to increase air flow. The door of a tepee traditionally faced east towards the rising sun for spiritual and practical reasons. In large encampments, tepees were arranged in specific patterns to reflect clan or religious affiliations.
Modern tepees are made using a variety of materials for the poles. They are often covered with canvas and can measure up to 40 feet across at the base. Other popular dwellings on the Plains included earth lodges and grass houses.
Bibliography
Hunter Old Elk. “Inside the Lodge: Plains Indian Tipis.” Buffalo Bill Center of the West, 19 Oct. 2017, centerofthewest.org/2017/10/19/inside-the-lodge. Accessed 6 Dec. 2024.
"The Pawnee and the Lakota Sioux." Nebraska Studies, nebraskastudies.org/en/1500-1799/emergence-of-historic-tribes/the-pawnee-the-lakota-sioux/. Accessed 6 Dec. 2024.
“Tipi.” The Pluralism Project, Harvard University, pluralism.org/tipi. Accessed 6 Dec. 2024.
“Tipis.” University of Idaho, www.webpages.uidaho.edu/arch499/nonwest/plains/tipis.htm. Accessed 6 Dec. 2024.