Build an Aboriginal Plains Style Tipi
This is how most tipi frames are put up and is based on a {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} tipi, for larger tipi types the measurements are the same. You will need two people to put up the frame but an experienced person can do this by themselves.
Steps
- Before getting your poles you will need to measure the length of your tipi (top to bottom)
- Now that you've established the length of your tipi, your poles should be at least {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} longer than than your tipi. Example, if your tipi is {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} long then your poles should be {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} long.
- Your poles can be made from young spruce tree's and should be fully limbed. Any limbs will poke a hole in your tipi canvas.
- Take the 3 largest poles from the 12 (these 3 will be the support for the other poles).
- You will need a rope {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} long and it can't be too thick nor too thin so that it may break.
- Lay these poles together and tie them tightly together with one end of the rope, about {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} longer on the poles than your tipi. Make sure your poles are even before you tie them.
- Now you will need your helpers. Fan the poles out at the bottom at least {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} apart. Now you and your helpers raise the poles up to form a tripod.
- Spread the bottom of the tripod out at least {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} across from each pole. Your rope should be hanging down in the center of the tripod.
- One person should take the rope and stand on the outside of the tripod while the other person gets the first pole.
- The first pole should be placed about {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} beside one of the tripod poles (this will be your door).
- DO NOT place your pole in among the poles at the top. You must lean the pole on the outside left of the tripod.
- While you hold the pole in place, have your helper with the rope, walk around the outside of the frame with the rope making one full circle and then pulling the rope tight.
- Continue this with each pole in a clock wise rotation. 3 poles go in between each tripod pole.
- You can tie the left over rope at the bottom of one pole.
- Now place the cover over the tipi frame. You will need to "do up the front" of your tipi with small sticks, ( you will need to figure out how large).
- You can now move the poles out to tighten up your tipi.
- All that's left is to peg down the bottom of your tipi.
- Your tipi may come with flaps at the top. If it does, you will need an additional 2 poles. These 2 poles must be another {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} longer than your tipi frame poles.
