The Plains Indian Tipi

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THE ARAPAHO WAY
Althea Bass

As nearly as possible (it'll be pure trial and error the first time), position the poles exactly as they'll be when the tent is completely pitched. The two-and-a-half foot by two-and-a-half foot grid on one floor plan in Figure 7 will help. Note that this tipi measures 20 feet from front to back and 17'/2 feet across. Notice also, that the tipi's pole pattern is shifted just slightly off square around the perimeter clockwise.

Set the next eleven poles into place exactly in the order shown: 1,2,3 and 4 from the right, or north, side go into the front crotch first; 5,6,7 and 8 then stack into the front crotch from the left, or south, side and 9,10 and 11 are put into the back crotch last. Again, strictly follow this order and be sure to skip a place on the perimeter at "L" for the lifting pole. The pole pattern should now look like Figure 7's lower right drawing.

At this point, carry the 1/2" rope outside the frame at pole S and wrap it clockwise four times (the sacred Indian number) around the standing poles. Snap the rope tightly up into the area where the poles cross and bring it in over N. Angle a 2X2 peg three feet long into the tipi floor slightly behind center and snug the rope under it. It helps if the peg has a knob on top.

Lay the lifting pole down the center of the cover and mark it at the tip of the tie flap. Put the pole aside and fold the outside edges of the cover in to the center so that the lacing pin holes meet down the center line. Fold and refold both halves of the cover on themselves until each is a long triangle two feet wide at the base. Fold the two triangles together.

Put the lifting pole alongside the canvas, butt to the base of the bundle, and securely tie the tapes (wrapping them over and over the flap in a criss-cross) to the pole where previously marked.

Hoist the pole and canvas (you may need help), set the pole's butt into position and drop it into the last space in the rear crotch. Turn the pole as you lift it and let it fall so that the cover is always on top. If the cover fits too high or too low where the poles cross, swing the lifting pole back down and relocate the tie flap tapes.

Unroll the cover around each side of the frame to the front. Tie a pole (the one you'll later set in front of the tipi door) across supports D and F1 to stand on while you tie the smoke hole base tapes together and insert the top lacing pins. The cover should be slack enough to allow you to lap the south (left) over the north (right) side. Remove the cross bar as you button down the front of the tipi.

Insert the poles in the upside-down smoke flap pockets. Cut these poles just long enough to stretch the flaps tight when their butts cross or barely touch close against the back center line of the tent. Round the pole tips to protect the flap pockets.

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