How Does a Teepee Work?

A properly pitched tipi cover is staked a few inches off the ground. The liner hangs from the inside of the poles and extends onto the ground, sealing the bottom of the lodge. Cool outside air is drawn under the cover and channels up through the smoke flaps, taking the smoke out with it.

How does a teepee keep rain out?

During rainy weather the smoke flaps were tightly closed and most of the rain rolled off the conical shape of the tipi. ... As the water ran to the bottom of the poles, the interior lining helped keep it from going inside the tipi. When the water reached the bottom of the poles, it drained into a gutter around the tipi.

How did teepees work?

A teepee was built using a number of long poles as the frame. The poles were tied together at the top and spread out at the bottom to make an upside down cone shape. Then the outside was wrapped with a large covering made of buffalo hide. ... In the center of the teepee, a fire would be built.