It can provide shade, a secret hideaway, or even a portable beach shelter. Building a simple backyard teepee is a great family project the kids will love. The term “teepee” is derived from the Lakota word tipi, which means “they dwell”. Nomadic tribes of the west used these portable homes in order to follow the herds of buffalo across the plains.
They were typically constructed by the women of the tribe, and a sturdy and strong teepee was a great matter of pride. Inside the teepee, the woman was the authority and people had to obey her rules. Outside, the men would paint the skins and also provide the materials for building. Animal hides or horses could be traded for poles.
Materials for your modern day teepee can be purchased at your local home improvement store, or you can put those old bed sheets to good use. Carry it along to the campground for a fun, outdoor adventure for the little ones, as well as an opportunity to educate them about Native American cultures. Watch this short video for tips on how to put together your own simple backyard teepee.
Video by youtube/Kin
Featured Image from Alexei Maridashvili/Unsplash
