How Does a Teepee Make for Good Shelter?

Material

The original tipis were made from animal pelts. This greatly enhanced their value as shelter, due to the inherent properties of animal pelts and skins. The leather of the skins, once cured, is extremely durable and tough, allowing the material to withstand abrasions, wind and tears. The fur of the animal pelts also contains natural oils that help lock out water and prevent rain from soaking through the tipi itself.

Design

The tipi also makes for good shelter in terms of its design. The opaque animal skins used in the originals provided warmth in the winter but also blocked sunlight, providing shade in the summer. The vents on the tipi allowed for a fire to keep the area warm, and for air to circulate from the entrance and out the vent flaps.

Mobility

One of the prime features of the tipi that enhances it use as shelter is its mobility. The tipi is more or less a tent consisting of 10 to 20 saplings that form its cone. These can be rolled up with the pelts of the tipi and moved, so in case of particularly harsh weather, drought or lack of food, the occupants can simply move their structure to a better place.

Resources

• Informative site on Yurts and Tipis