How are tipis put up and how does rain stay out of the smoke hole?
The Plains Indian lodge, or tipi, is one of the most beautiful and practical shelters ever invented. It is easy to put up and take down, and resistant to wind and rain. The tilted cone is steeper at the back, with an adjustable smoke hole extending down the front sloping side, and flaps that can be moved to regulate the draft and be readjusted if bad weather conditions arise. A lodge always faces east to greet the morning sun. Crow lodges are constructed around four main poles, as opposed to the tripod that other tribes use. These foundation poles are tied together with a piece of rope and then raised. Poles are placed equidistantly around the foundation to form the framework of the tipi. The longer the poles, the larger the tipi. The tipi cover is tied to the last pole, so they both go up together, and placed at the back. Next, the cover is wrapped from the back around the sides to the front and fastened above the doorway with pegs. The cover is drawn in tight and the bottom edge stak
