Labis Creations
Labis Creations
ABOUT THE TIPI in general
Conical shelters have no doubt been used for probably thousands of years.... wherever the climate demanded shelter from the weather. What was needed were straight poles, bark, grass, sod, materials for making mats, or the skins of large animals. People were found all around the artic circle in fact using conical skin tents - the Lapps
in Europe, the Americanoid Yukaghir in Syberia, Natives throughout the entire
Mackenzie Area of Canada, among the Caribou Inuit west of Hudson Bay, and
in Labrador. They all have the central fire, the smoke hole being where the poles cross at the top, the eastern entrance, the place of honor in the west opposite the door, very much like in the tipis of the Natives in the plains of North America.
Because of these similarities these shelters have as well been called tipis.
In fact these are not true tipis because they lack two essentials as the buffalo hunters and gatherers of the great plains know their tipi. The true tipi is not a symectrical cone like these, but slightly slanted and the smoke holes extend down the front with the so called smoke flaps, ears or wings. These flaps are supported by movable outside poles which help to regulate the draft and carry off the smoke.
In the 'old days' the making and setting up of the tipi was done by the women.
The beauty of the tipi stirs the imagination of all people. Not only is it picturesque, it is one of the most practical movable structures. It is comfortable, roomy and well ventilated. Actually it stands up to hurracane like winds like no other structure will.
LABIS TIPIS
come with a liner (regular one is 1.50m(5.5' )high) which hangs on the
inside. About 20cm (8") of the liner lie on the ground, while the tipi
cover is slightly off the ground. The purpose of this is to ensure perfect
draft out of the smoke hole (heat rises and as you sit, you are not affected
by the draft). Included in the prices as well is a summer ozan, which
hangs above the bed area in heavy rainstorms. This is to avoid any drop
of rain which might try to find its way to your bed!
I USUALLY MAKE THE LINERS OUT OF THE SAME PRESSURE TREATED CANVAS AS THE
COVER SINCE IT IS EXPOSED TO MOISTURE AND HOLDS UP BETTER TO WEAR AND
TEAR. HOWEVER YOU CAN ASK TO GO WITH CHEAPER UNTREATED CANVAS HERE AT
YOUR DISCRETION.
are viewflex or mylar (clear vinyl) windows which gives you the sense of more spaciousness and the ability to watch the stars at night! I have made tipis from 6 foot to 30 foot, since they are all custom made I can try to include any special ideas you may have.
Click here for Tipi Pricelist.
gitta@labiscreations.com
how to order