It is generally conceded that the
plains Indian tipi is the most practical,
comfortable, and beautiful of the
many portable shelters invented
by man.
The typical tipi in the period prior
to contact with Europeans, was made
of tanned hides and was about 12 feet
in diameter. Prior to obtaining horses
in the 17th century, dogs were used
as beasts of burden. With the horse
larger tipis and longer poles could be
moved so the average size went up
to about 18 feet. When trade canvas
became available some became even
larger, up to 30 feet in diameter. The
18 foot size remained the most
common because it is the largest that
can easily be put up by one person.
The skin and poles of a tipi are the
most familiar to us, but it is the
interior liner that provides insulation
and draft. This prevents wind and
condensation from entering the struc-
ture and makes the use of the central
fire practical. The smoke flaps are
adjusted to best employ the wind,
and a central anchor rope assures
that tipis rarely topple, even in
very high winds. Although not
always used, an ozan - or interior
cover for sleeping areas makes a tipi
rainproof, dry, and warm.
TIPI
September 7, 2006
Starr Homeplace
September 24th
After a severe wind.
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