Tipi History

The exact origins of the tipi remain a mystery. Indigenous people have been living in conical tents for centuries. The circular plan mirrored nature: the earth, the sky, the seasons, life itself. But the buffalo hunters of the Great Plains made the design innovations distinctive to true tipis. First, they tilted the cone into the prevailing winds, making it slightly asymmetrical and nearly vertical in back. This not only made the tipi stand strong against the weather; it increased the headroom and usable living space. Second, they moved the smoke hole down the more gently sloping front of the tipi and added flaps to control the draw for the fire and ventilate the tipi. These flaps give the tipi its elegant winged appearance and are supported and adjusted with poles from the outside.

The Indian Tipi: It's History, Construction and Use by Reginald and Gladys Laubin is an excellent resource book. We keep this book in stock. The cost is $15 plus shipping. Call 800.288.3190 to order.