How the Tepee was Constructed
Warm in winter, cool in summer and sturdy enough to withstand gale-force winds, the tepee was a remarkably serviceable dwelling―and yet it was so easy to assemble that two women could erect it within an hour.
Although certain details of design differed from tribe to tribe, the tepee was basically a cover made of dressed buffalo hides that were stitched together with sinew and stretched over a framework of poles. Most tribes used a tripod of especially strong poles for the main support. These primary supports were tied together at the top and raised (bottom, left); then all but one of the remaining poles were leaned against them, tied in place and, in windy weather, anchored to a single peg in the ground within the tepee. The frame was not a true cone, but was tilted slightly. This asymmetry served several functions. It provided more headroom in the rear of the dwelling; it permitted better ventilation with an off-center smoke hole; and, since tepees almost always faced east, the greater slant of the front side helped brace the structure against the prevailing west winds on the back.
When the poles were in place the folded hide cover (below, center) was fastened to a stout lifting pole and hoisted into position. It was relatively easy at this point to unfold the cover around the poles, peg the bottom edge down, close the vertical seam with wooden pins and attach the door flap. (In warm weather, the bottom edge could be raised for ventilation.) Finally, two lighter poles outside the tepee were inserted in the pockets of the smoke flap; by moving these poles, the flaps could be adjusted to compensate for changes in wind direction, or the flaps could be closed in case of rain or snow. Now complete (bottom, right), the tepee was ready for the furnishings. Usually about 15 feet in diameter at the base, it had ample room for beds, back rests, a stack of firewood and other articles of equipment, sometimes arranged according to the scheme (below, center).
Click on image below to get a full view of tepee
Tepee Etiquette
Proper behavior among Plains Indians―as in most societies―was governed by extensive, strict and often subtle rules. The principles below are a sampling of various points of etiquette that Indians knew and heeded when paying a social call at a friend's tepee.
If the door is open, a friend may enter the tepee directly. But if it is closed, he should announce his presence and wait for the owner to invite him to come in.
When a male visitor enters the tepee, he goes to the right and waits for the host to invite him to sit in the guest place to the left of the owner at the rear. A woman enters after the man and goes to the left.
When invited to a feast, guests are expected to bring their own bowls and spoons and to eat all they are given. No visitor should ever walk between the fire and another person but, instead, should pass behind the sitters, who for their part lean forward to make room.
Women should never sit cross-legged like men. They can sit on their heels or with their legs to one side.
In a group of men, only the older ones should initiate conversation. The younger men should politely remain silent unless they are invited to speak by an elder.
When the host cleans his pipe, everyone should leave.
