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A scene of New England colonists talking with several Native Americans in a wooded glen. In the background is a group of Plains Indian teepees, which would be out of place for the presumed New England setting, but consistent with popular imagination.

Colonists Interacting with Native Americans

A scene of New England colonists talking with several Native Americans in a wooded glen. In the background…

A missionary in a long black robe addresses a group of seated Native Americans. The setting is a collection of Plains Indian teepees, although the surroundings are forested.

Missionary Addressing Native Americans

A missionary in a long black robe addresses a group of seated Native Americans. The setting is a collection…

A tipi (also teepee, tepee) is a conical tent originally made of animal skins or birch bark and popularized by the Native Americans of the Great Plains. Tipis are stereotypically associated with Native Americans in general, but Native Americans from places other than the Great Plains used different types of dwellings. The term wigwam is sometimes incorrectly used to refer to a dwelling of this type. The tipi was durable, provided warmth and comfort in winter, was dry during heavy rains, and was cool in the heat of summer. Tipis could be disassembled and packed away quickly when a tribe decided to move, and could be reconstructed quickly when the tribe settled in a new area. This portability was important to those Plains Indians who had a nomadic lifestyle.

Teepee

A tipi (also teepee, tepee) is a conical tent originally made of animal skins or birch bark and popularized…