How to Erect Tepee Poles

The tepee -- otherwise spelled teepee or tipi -- is an iconic representation of Native American culture. Though many people may associate the tepee with Native American lifestyle as a generality, this dwelling was mostly used by Native Americans of the Great Plains region. A tepee was used because it was very easy to erect and dismantle, as nature and available resources dictated the natives to move during the seasons. Erecting tepee poles is the first stage in setting up a tepee.

Things You'll Need

  • 12 wooden poles (at least 3 to 4 inches in diameter and 3 feet longer than the tepee cover width)
  • Rope
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Instructions

    • 1

      Select 12 poles to erect the tepee. Each poles should be as straight as possible, and smoothed with a knife. The poles need to be at least 3 feet longer than the tepee cover's width. For example; if the cover is 15 feet wide, the poles need to be 18 feet long.

    • 2

      Draw a circle in the dirt with the same diameter as the width of the tepee. For example; a tepee width of 15 feet requires a circle base diameter of 15 feet.

    • 3

      Select three of the strongest poles to form the initial tripod. Ensure that the tripod poles are spaced evenly apart on the circle base. Lash the tripod together at the top with rope slightly higher than the height of the tepee cover.

    • 4

      Set the remaining poles against the tripod, spaced evenly apart. Lash all the poles together tightly at the top with rope.

    • 5

      Set the main pole onto the tepee frame on the opposite side of the door. The main pole is the pole which will have the tepee cover attached to it.