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In 2004 we erected this tipi near our labyrinth. We have taken great care to ensure that every step in the creation of this tipi was respectful of Native American traditions. Many worked together during one beautiful, sunny day so that now any one can enjoy and explore this lovingly-crafted tent here on our grounds.

"Tipi" originates from the Lakota language: "Ti" - meaning "to dwell or live." "Pi" - meaning, "used for." "Tipi" means " ëused for living in."Ý Tipis are indigenous to Native Americans of the Plains, including Lakota, Assiniboine, Gros Ventre, Crows, Hidatsa, Arapaho, Cheyenne, Kiowa, Apache. Much later the Comanche, Utes, Shoshone, Nez Perce, Flathead, Cayuse, Umatilla, Kutenais used tipis. The traditional tipi is a tilted cone, steeper at the back, with the smoke hole extending some distance down the more gently sloping side, or front of the tipi, and with two flaps called smoke flaps, ears, or wings. The smoke hole above could be adjusted to keep smoke in or to let it out.

See page 1 of the tipi series

Bear holds
the bound tops
of the poles.

John hoists the poles.

Roger steadies
one of the tipi's
first "feet."

The tripod is up.

Roger steadies one
of the three poles.

Roger checks where
the next pole will go.

Bear places second round
of poles against the
tripod of poles.

Winding on the rope.

All poles are bound.

Raising canvas tipi cover.

Aligning smoke flaps.

Fastening the tipi cover.

John inside the tipi.

Pinning the flaps.

The door is ready.

John reads inside
the completed tipi.

See page 1 of the tipi series

Tour more of our grounds:

Animals | Brew House | Butterfly Garden | Herb Garden | Labyrinth | Tipi | Xeric Garden | Orchard & Vineyard | Vegetable Garden