A tepee (also spelled tipi) is a cone-shaped tent made by stretching animal hides or canvas over a framework of long wooden poles. The poles lean together at the top and spread out at the bottom to form a circle, creating a sturdy home that can withstand strong winds and heavy weather.

For centuries, tepees served as homes for many Native American tribes on the Great Plains, including the Lakota, Cheyenne, and Comanche. These tribes followed buffalo herds across vast grasslands, and tepees were perfect for their mobile lifestyle: a family could take down their tepee, pack it onto a horse-drawn travois (a simple sled), travel to a new location, and set it up again in less than an hour.

The design was remarkably clever. Smoke from the cooking fire escaped through an opening at the top, which could be adjusted using two flaps to control the draft. The bottom could be rolled up for ventilation on hot days or staked down tightly in winter. Buffalo hides provided excellent insulation, keeping the interior warm in winter and cool in summer.

Though many Native Americans today live in modern houses, tepees remain important cultural symbols and are still used for ceremonies, celebrations, and traditional gatherings.