Size

• Most tipis measure 12 to 17 feet in diameter, according to Reese Tipis. However, some tipis are larger, such as ceremonial or medicinal tipis. Smaller tipis may become too smoky, according to the Manataka American Indian Council.
  
  

Materials

• Tipis consist of several long poles and a canvas or skin covering. Native Americans historically used stones to weight down the edges of the canvas or skin covering.
  
  

Etymology

• The word tipi derives from the Sioux language, in which "ti" translates to "dwelling" and "pi" translates to "used for", according to Reese Tipis. Tipi thus means "used for living in."