Tipis, also spelled teepees, are conical tents that were historically made of animal hides or pelts, and in more recent generations of canvas, stretched on a framework of wooden poles. The poles used to support a teepee were made from saplings, and the bark was removed, the poles were polished, and dried to help create a sturdier base upon which to build. The outer covering of a tipi was made from animal hide in earlier times, and later on, from canvas. An average tipi may require as many as 28 buffalo hides to adequately enclose the shelter. The switch from animal hides to canvas happened largely due to the dwindling availability of buffalo, and the wider availability of canvas, which is lighter and easier to transport. Women were responsible for teepee construction and maintenance. In raising a teepee, a woman would begin with 3 or 4 poles, depending upon her tribe’s preferences. These first few poles acted as the keystones of a conical framework that was augmented by some 20 to 30 lighter poles, all leaning toward a central point and tied together a short distance from the top. An adjustable flap was left open at the top to allow smoke to escape, and a flap at the bottom served as a doorway.

In summary, teepees were made of animal hides or pelts, and in more recent generations of canvas, stretched on a framework of wooden poles. The poles were made from saplings, and the outer covering of a teepee was made from animal hide in earlier times, and later on, from canvas. Women were responsible for teepee construction and maintenance.