The Indian Tipi: Its History, Construction, and Use, 2nd Edition

by Reginald Laubin, Gladys Laubin, Stanley Vestal (Contributor)

When the first edition of this book was published in 1957, the art of making a tipi was almost lost, even among American Indians. Since that time a tremendous resurgence of interest in the Indian way of life has occurred, resurgence due in part, at least, to the Laubins' life-long efforts at preservation and interpretation of Indian culture. As The Indian Tipi makes obvious, the American Indian is both a practical person and a natural artist. Indian inventions are commonly both serviceable and beautiful. Other tents are hard to pitch, hot in summer, cold in winter, poorly lighted, unventilated, easily blown down, and ugly to boot. The conical tipi of the Plains Indian has none of these faults. It can be pitched by one person. It is roomy, well ventilated at all times, cool in summer, well lighted, proof against high winds and heavy downpours, and, with its cheerful fire inside, snug in the severest winter weather. Moreover, its tilted cone, trim smoke flaps, and crown of poles, presenting a different silhouette from every angle, form a shapely, stately dwelling even without decoration. In this new edition the Laubins have retained all the invaluable aspects of the first edition, and have added a tremendous amount of new material on day-to-day living in the the section on Indian cooking has been expanded to include a large number and range of Indian foods and recipes, as well as methods of cooking over an open fire, with a reflector oven, and with a ground oven; there are new sections on making buckskin, making moccasins, and making cradle boards; there is a whole new section on child care and general household hints. Shoshoni, Cree, and Assiniboine designs have been added to the long list of tribal tipi types discussed. This new edition is richly illustrated with color and black and white photographs, and drawings to aid in constructing and living in the tipi. It is written primarily for the interested amateur, and will appeal to anyone who likes camping, the out-of-doors, and American Indian lore.

Genres: Nonfiction, Native American

384 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1968

Reviews

[Douglas · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Laubin's brought back the lost art of the Tipi before it was totally gone. Interesting read, especially since I am making a tipi myself. The genius of the construction is fascinating and I can't wait to finish mine. I will leave out the religious altar since I am a Christian and use the structure alone, but the history is included in this book for any who want to know about spiritistic/animistic religion. Definately a must read for any who want to know about the history and structure of the nomadic indians.

[Darth · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much more than a how-to guide for tipis, this book is an homage to the beautiful and deep simplicity of the material lifestyle of the Plains Indians before succumbing to the pressures and conveniences of assimilation into the dominant culture. His knowledge and poetry is akin to One Man's Wilderness, inspiring you to try just a bit harder and live a little deeper.

[Mykle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I borrowed a paperback copy of this from my friend Dan, who used the instructions to build an impressive and totally legit tipi. I'm more of a yurt guy, but if you want to make a tipi, or just learn about them, this book is the original and best.

[Clint Flatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the official book to owning a tipi. If you buy a tipi and truly want to use it as a permanent home or as your tent. You must have this book to enjoy the most amazing structure you will ever sleep in. Especially in the winter.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gonna need this book when I get my TIPI and set it up. Everyting you would have never known otherwise, unless you happen to be related to someone living in a TIPI.

[Wile · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually used the plans in this book to construct my own tipi. Very informative and well written book on the history and construction of the tipi across many native cultures.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it! We call it the Tipi bible. It helped when we first put up our tipi and continues to help us get it outfitted.

[Kristin]

for work. Come see "Tipi: Heritage of the Great Plains" beginning in February at the Brooklyn Museum!