Why we are proud to have a Tipi!

When we first decided to provide holidays at Larkhill and form our glamping site (the word ‘glamping’ wasn’t invented at that time!) we started with Tipis. At the time there were only a handful of camping sites providing holiday accommodation in a Tipi and we were one of the first in Wales. We thought that stepping outside of the traditional campsite model and providing ‘something different’  may attract both those who often camped and also those who loved the idea of camping but didn’t want the hassle of pitching a tent and maybe wanted a bit more of a luxurious feel to their outdoor holiday. Choosing a Tipi seemed an obvious choice. It is a simple and mesmerizing structure with an ethereal shape and has a unique sense of ‘space’. It was a practical choice too - the materials are easy to source, it’s quick to erect, strong and stable in bad weather and has a roomy interior.

We bought our first Tipis in 2003 and 2004, but, with the purchase of an old 1950’s Industrial Singer Sewing Machine in 2006, we have made them ourselves onsite since. We’ve had to add a few additions to the original Tipi design to cope with the very different climatic issues (believe it or not West Wales is slightly wetter than the Plains of North America!) The first addition made was the “Welsh hood”, whose name pretty aptly describes its function. It keeps all the raindrops at bay!  The second addition was to replace the open fire in the centre of the Tipi with a woodburner which has made it easier for our guests to light and keep a fire going and also prevents smoke from permeating both the Tipi and its residents! We now only have one Tipi as we made the decision to branch out to provide different nomadic structures which are also easier to keep warm in the colder months. Although Yurts seem a more popular glamping choice in the UK at the moment many of our guests love the feel of the Tipi and it still proves to be a popular choice amongst our guests. The high roof and poles make it unique from all our other structures and I personally love lying in bed and looking up at its poles and high roof and on a clear night doing some star gazing!!

The Origins of the Tipi....

The creators of the Tipi were the indigenous people of the central Plains of the North American continent, Native Americans, who were comprised of numerous tribes. The word ‘Tipi’ comes from the Native American Sioux tribe and means ‘to live in’ or ‘’to reside’. You may have come across different spellings of the name, such as ‘Teepee’ or ‘Tepee’. As well as providing safety, privacy, comfort and aesthetic silhouette for its inhabitants, it also served well for their nomadic lives. The ease in which the Tipi can be erected and its simple materials made it very practical for movement, essential for following the seasonal migration routes of the Buffalo. Historical references suggest that dogs and sleighs were used to transport their homes and belongings and that it was usually the women who erected the Tipis.

Although examples of tent structures similar to a Tipi can be found historically throughout the world, the Tipi is unique due to its ‘cone-like’ shape and the use of smoke-flaps.  Originally it was made with wooden poles and Buffalo skins as its cover. An open fire would have resided in the centre of the Tipi with the smoke drifting up through the smoke flap holes in the top. The smoke flap poles outside were moved so that they were facing the same direction as the changing winds, ensuring smoke left the Tipi effectively. The skins would not have reached the ground outside giving enough of an air draught to ensure that the smoke rose up and out, with the lining inside keeping any draught away from all occupants. Internally beds would be placed low to the ground - being closer to the heat of the fire and away from the rising smoke. Animal skins were again used as soft furnishings inside.

We quite often hear guests who come to stay with us refer to the Tipi as a wigwam. However these are very different structures used by distinct and separate tribes (wigwam dwellers were from the north-eastern side of America and Canada - not the Plains).  Although wigwams have a similar shape, they are less cone like, its materials are different (bark is used as its covering - not animal skins) and there are no smoke flaps.

The Tipi not only served as a practical home for the Native Americans but also represented a spiritual and symbolic purpose. It is believed the the floor of the Tipi represents the earth on which we live, the walls the sky, and the poles the trails from earth to the spirit world. Inside the Tipi traditionally there would also have been an altar - a small square space of earth would have been cleared where sweet grass, herbs and incense would be placed.  In this way the Tipi’s use and presence was very much seen as an important part of the identity and beliefs of the tribes who used it. Although most Tipis would have been plain and undecorated, some Native Americans were artistic - painting landscapes, designs and decorations, which would have been different for each tribe, reflecting their own stories and belief systems.

I hope I have sparked your interest in Tipis and are inspired to stay in one! If you have any questions about the our Tipi or Tipis in general please don't hesitate to get in touch with us.

Catherine

References

Reginald and Gladys Laubin, The Indian Tipi- It’s history, Construction and Use, 1977.

Wikipedia

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