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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 2 of this tipi series

The cleared, leveled,
tamped tipi site.
The labyrinth
in foreground.

Tipi poles (15)
are marked with ribbon.
Each pole has
a special meaning.

Lodgepole pine poles,
grouped and tied.

Bear gets the canvas
cover ready.

Tucking one pole
inside the rolled
cover.

John and Bear ready
the tipi cover.
The pole inside it
stiffens the bundle,
making handling easier.

John looking at the
last pole and cover.

The first three poles
are bound, set aside.
Bear then smudges
(cleanses) John.

Roger's turn.
Everyone working
on the tipi is smudged.

Fanning sweetgrass
and sage smoke
on Maria Elena.

Bear, master of
ceremonies,
is smudged.

See page 2 of this tipi series

Tour more of our grounds:

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