Teepees

A tepee (/ˈtiːpiː/ TEE-pee), also spelled teepee or less commonly tipi, and often called a lodge in older English writings, is a conical tent, traditionally made of animal skins upon wooden poles. Modern tepees usually have a canvas covering. A tepee is distinguished from other conical tents by the smoke flaps at the top of the structure.

Historically, most tepees in a village would not be painted. Painted tepees often depicted note-worthy historical battles and often featured geometric portrayals of celestial bodies and animal designs. Sometimes tepees have been painted to depict personal experiences such as war hunting, a dream or vision.

When depicting visions, “ceremonies and prayers were first offered, and then the dreamer recounted his dream to the priests and wise men of the community.

Those known to be skilled painters were consulted, and the new design was made to fit anonymously within the traditional framework of the tribe’s painted teepees.