How to Build an Aboriginal Plains Style Tipi
Before getting your poles you will need to measure the length of your tipi (top to bottom); , Now that you've established the length of your tipi, your poles should be at least 4 feet (1.2 m) longer than than your tipi., Your poles can be made from...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Before getting your poles you will need to measure the length of your tipi (top to bottom);
Example, if your tipi is 12 feet (3.7 m) long then your poles should be 16 feet (4.9 m) long. , Any limbs will poke a hole in your tipi canvas. ,,, Make sure your poles are even before you tie them. , Fan the poles out at the bottom at least 3 feet (0.9 m) apart.
Now you and your helpers raise the poles up to form a tripod. , Your rope should be hanging down in the center of the tripod. ,,, You must lean the pole on the outside left of the tripod. ,, 3 poles go in between each tripod pole. ,, You will need to "do up the front" of your tipi with small sticks, ( you will need to figure out how large). ,,, If it does, you will need an additional 2 poles.
These 2 poles must be another 4 feet (1.2 m) longer than your tipi frame poles. -
Step 2: Now that you've established the length of your tipi
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Step 3: your poles should be at least 4 feet (1.2 m) longer than than your tipi.
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Step 4: Your poles can be made from young spruce tree's and should be fully limbed.
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Step 5: Take the 3 largest poles from the 12 (these 3 will be the support for the other poles).
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Step 6: You will need a rope 25–30 feet (7.6–9.1 m) long and it can't be too thick nor too thin so that it may break.
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Step 7: Lay these poles together and tie them tightly together with one end of the rope
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Step 8: about 2 feet (0.6 m) longer on the poles than your tipi.
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Step 9: Now you will need your helpers.
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Step 10: Spread the bottom of the tripod out at least 8 feet (2.4 m) across from each pole.
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Step 11: One person should take the rope and stand on the outside of the tripod while the other person gets the first pole.
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Step 12: The first pole should be placed about 3 feet (0.9 m) beside one of the tripod poles (this will be your door).
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Step 13: DO NOT place your pole in among the poles at the top.
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Step 14: While you hold the pole in place
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Step 15: have your helper with the rope
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Step 16: walk around the outside of the frame with the rope making one full circle and then pulling the rope tight.
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Step 17: Continue this with each pole in a clock wise rotation.
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Step 18: You can tie the left over rope at the bottom of one pole.
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Step 19: Now place the cover over the tipi frame.
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Step 20: You can now move the poles out to tighten up your tipi.
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Step 21: All that's left is to peg down the bottom of your tipi.
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Step 22: Your tipi may come with flaps at the top.
Detailed Guide
Example, if your tipi is 12 feet (3.7 m) long then your poles should be 16 feet (4.9 m) long. , Any limbs will poke a hole in your tipi canvas. ,,, Make sure your poles are even before you tie them. , Fan the poles out at the bottom at least 3 feet (0.9 m) apart.
Now you and your helpers raise the poles up to form a tripod. , Your rope should be hanging down in the center of the tripod. ,,, You must lean the pole on the outside left of the tripod. ,, 3 poles go in between each tripod pole. ,, You will need to "do up the front" of your tipi with small sticks, ( you will need to figure out how large). ,,, If it does, you will need an additional 2 poles.
These 2 poles must be another 4 feet (1.2 m) longer than your tipi frame poles.
About the Author
Kenneth Diaz
Committed to making crafts accessible and understandable for everyone.
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