Page 16 - All About History - Issue 29-15

USA

THETIPI

Lodge poles
AMOBILEECOHOMEFITFORWIND,RAINAND These could be three to
eight metres long and were
SNOW,2000BCE-PRESENT,NORTHAMERICA historically made of lodgepole
pine or red cedar. They were
tied together at the top using
raw hide or rope.
It’s a common misconception that Tipis were made from wooden
all Native Americans lived in these poles with an animal skin covering,
iconic cone-shaped tents, but in fact and a flap at the top to allow smoke
only the indigenous people of the to escape. The poles could be used
Great Plains and Canadian Prairies to form a travois (a kind of sledge),
built tipis. These tribes were reliant which was attached to a horse
on wild bison for food, clothing, and dragged along while carrying
shelter and tools, so followed their supplies and people at
migratory route across the North the same time. It was this
American plains, regularly moving portability that made them
their camps. It was therefore perfect for Plains Indians.
essential that their lodgings could
be put up and taken down quic
to suit their nomadic lifestyle.

Meat
Once the bison had been hunted, their meat
would be cut into thin strips, hung and dried
in order to make it easier to carry and help
preserve it.

Entrance
The doors were often
made of bison calf skin
and faced east, towards the
rising sun. When the door
was closed, visitors would
have to cough or tap to
announce themselves
before entering.

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