Nived Tipi Rentals

In the past millennium cone shaped tents with a central smoke hole are recorded as being used all around the Arctic Circle. These dwellings were even used by several groups of early peoples in Europe. However, these tents were not true tipis. A true tipi is a tilted cone shaped tent with a central smoke hole, and attached smoke flaps. True tipis are first recorded in European History by Francisco Vasquez de Coronado in reports from his expeditions of 1540-42. He is believed to have encountered the Apache people. Later, in the 1800’s European explorers began painting depictions of tipis (however inaccurately), proof that tipis as we know them today were in general use in North America by the year 1840.

Still, true tipis were likely in use well before the 1500’s. When early tipis were pitched the covers were often held to the earth with loose stones. The rocks were then rolled aside when a camp was moved, leaving a distinctive ring of stones. Rings of stone have been found, many with pottery shards and other relevant artifacts in their vicinity. Over 200 of these ancient tipi rings have been discovered ranging from Canada to New Mexico, and scattered across the Great Plains. The average width of an individual ring was 12 ½ to 17 ½ feet. This suggests that these tipi rings predate the introduction of horses. Smaller tipis could be carried by their owners or moved using dogs.

“Most of the tribes which used tipis are known to have migrated to the Great Plains within historical times, some pushed westward by enemies stronger or better armed by white traders, some moving in to share in the buffalo bonanza, a movement greatly accelerated after the Indians obtained horses.”

It is also the use of horses that is believed to have been the catalyst for most tribes to adopt tipi lifestyles. Horses were brought from Mexico as early as 1650. By 1750 they were prevalent on the Great Plains and the adjacent mountain regions. The horse spread from the Utes, Flatheads, Nez Perces, Cayuses, Umatillas, and Kootenais, and Stoneys. In a similar fashion, tipis spread North.

Between the years of 1650 and 1820 a network of migrations established the tribes we know today as the Great Plains Indians. These tribes included the Mandans, Crees, Blackfeet, Bloods, Peigans, Assiniboines, Atsinas (aka Gros Ventres), Crows, Sioux, Arapahoes, Kiowes, Cheyenne, Comanches, and Kiowa- Apaches. During these migrations tribes would cross paths; and it is believed that it was during this time that the use of tipis became widespread. Because of the nature of the migrations it is difficult, at the least, to prove what tribes were the first to use true tipis.

With the arrival of European settlers and the subsequent destruction of the buffalo large hides became scarce. It was then that tipis began to be made out of canvas. Because canvas covers are much lighter than hide covers modern tipis are now larger and more manageable than those of Great Plains families.

Once on reservations Native Americans were expected to assimilate into European lifestyles. Tipis and their traditions came close to extinction during the time of reservations. By the first half of the 1900’s tipi use was nearly nonexistent. Thankfully, through the dedication of those passionate for their traditions, and the eagerness of some to learn the old ways, tipis are slowly finding their way back into North American culture.

Information gathered and excerpts taken from The Indian Tipi by, Reginald and Gladys Laubin History chapter by, Stanley Vestal…See “links” to get your copy today!