The word "tipi" in Cree means "used for habitation", according to the following signification:
The following is a 8 step illustration by Henri Liboiron of how to
construct a three-pole tipi similar to those used by the Cree and
Assiniboine tribes.
Step 1: Marking the floor plan
|
The diameter of the floor plan will determine all other dimensions of the tipi. The tipi cover is a semi-circle with a radius equal to the diameter of the floor plan. The length of the poles is equal to the diameter of the floor plan, plus the portion which extents above the top of the tipi cover. A board on the ground is usually used to mark the radius of the floor plan. |
 |
Step 2: Raising the poles
|
|
The three main poles are raised with a lift rope and are tied together at the apex of the tipi. The distance at which the poles are tied together is equal to the radius of the tipi cover or the diameter of the floor plan. Therefore, as an example, a tipi with a floor diameter of 6 metres would necessitate poles 7 metres in length. The feet of the main poles should rest at the extremity of the floor plan. |
Step 3: Securing the structure
|
The tripod poles are placed equidistant on the circumference of the floor plan, then the lift rope is anchored to the ground. The anchor can be a peg or a large rock. The tripod position is calculated as twice the radius of the floor plan on its circumference. |
|
Step 4: Inserting the additional poles
|
|
Two additional poles are placed equidistant between each tripod pole, for a total of 9 poles supporting the structure. The tipi frame is now ready to receive the cover. |
Step 5: Raising the cover
|
The cover is raised over the framework using a wind flap pole. |
|
Step 6: Securing the tipi cover
|
|
The tipi cover is spread around the skeletal framework by holding the bottom of the cover and using the second wind flap pole. Thus, the number of poles in a three-pole tipi includes 9 for the framework and 2 for the wind flaps, for a total of 11. |
Step 7: Closing the tipi cover
|
The wind flaps are closed tightly in order to join the tipi cover by tying it together with toggles. The front should also be closed before the cover is fully anchored to the ground. |
|
Step 8: Anchoring the tipi cover
|
|
The tipi cover is firmly anchored to the ground with pegs or pins. In ancient times the cover was anchored with stones. The door flap is opened, the wind flaps are adjusted and the tipi is ready for occupation. |
The following annexes provide further information about
the three-pole tipi and its characteristics:
Annex 1:
|
A side view showing the position of the wind flaps. These wind flaps are used to control the circulation of the air inside the tipi. They have to be re-adjusted when the wind changes direction.
Tipi occupants could be identified by the decorations on the tipi. |
|
Annex 2: Mini tipi interpretative display
|
2 Tipis Stones for anchoring the tipi cover and spare stones in a small cairn Drying racks |
|
Hafted small grooved maul Small hafted scraper One cutting tool Arrow points Hide frame for cleaning skins |
Annex 3:
|
Three-pole tipi frame Sweat lodge frame of willow and hearth Wind flap poles in the foreground |
|
