A Tipi, or Tee Pee, is a conical tent, traditionally made of animal skins upon
wooden poles. A tipi is distinguished from other conical tents by the smoke flaps
at the top of the structure. Historically, the tipi was designed and largely used
by Indigenous people of the Plains in the Great Plains and Canadian Prairies of
North America. Tipi lodges are still in use by these peoples, though now
primarily for ceremonial purposes.
Tipis are stereotypically and incorrectly associated with all Native Americans in
the United States and Aboriginal people in Canada, despite their usage being
unique to the peoples of the Plains. Native American tribes and First Nation band
governments from other regions have used other types of dwellings. The tipi is
durable, provides warmth and comfort in winter, is cool in the heat of summer,
and is dry during heavy rains. Tipis can be disassembled and packed away quickly
when people need to relocate and can be reconstructed quickly upon settling in a
new area. Historically, this portability was important to Plains Indians with
their at times nomadic lifestyle.
