Joseys Art School Episode #40 Winter Art Camp for Kids Part 4 Teepees Mixed Media Art Lesson

 

Teepees (or tipis) were clever, portable homes used by nomadic Indigenous tribes of the Great Plains. They were designed to face east toward the sunrise, kept families warm in freezing winters and cool during hot summers, and could be put up or taken down in just 30 minutes! [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]
Super Smart Design
  • Built like a puzzle: Teepees used a sturdy cone shape made from long wooden poles wrapped in buffalo hide (and later canvas). [1, 2, 3]
  • Natural air conditioning: In the summer, the bottom edges of the cover could be rolled up to let cool breezes flow right through the house. [1, 2]
  • Built-in chimney: A small fire burned safely in the center for cooking, and adjustable smoke flaps at the top let the smoke drift right out. [1, 2, 3]
Women Were the Builders
  • The boss of the house: In many Plains tribes, women owned and managed the teepee.
  • Fast assembly: Women were experts at building them. They could set up or pack up the entire heavy-duty structure all by themselves. [1, 2, 3]
Perfect for Travel
  • Early mobile homes: Because tribes followed wandering buffalo herds, they needed houses that could move with them.
  • Dog and horse power: Packed-up poles and covers were hauled on a special V-shaped sled called a travois, which was pulled by dogs or horses

 

When I first started really exploring my creative side, I filmed videos of my favorite art journal pages - low stress art journal pages.  You can find over 40 videos: CLICK HERE