The tipi was a essentially mobile tent, and was critical to the migratory nature of Native Americans. It was more or less a tripod wrapped in animal skins, although the Blackfoot Indians used 4 poles instead of 3.
Typically 12-25 feet tall, these structures featured a smoke flap at the top where the poles converged, and a fire pit in the center for cooking and heating. They could be easily collapsed for fast transportation (if dragging is considered fast). The tipi did a great job keeping occupants cool in the summer and warm in the winter, and there was a surprising amount of variety in terms of features.
Most tipis were not decorated, the few exceptions were painted on the outside, depicting historical battles, hunting expeditions, and visions.
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