Linings or Liners

         Linings or liner or ozan, can come in all types, sizes and materials.  These materials can be canvas, natural muslin, calico patterned cloth,                    and brain tan or commercial hides.  The original linings were probably a robe of buffalo, elk or some type of hide put up on the interior of the tipi to keep cold wind off the back.  As tipis got larger and more elaborate, liners became more tailored to fit the angles and number of poles.  Today we have two types of linings, the pole liner which is attached directly to the pole (top and bottom) and the rope liner. These are attached to a rope about 5 to 6 feet above the floor space which is wrapped around the poles.  The bottom on the same liner  is attached to pegs or another rope  wrapped around the butts of the same tipi pole.  There seems to be several ways and combinations to putting up a lining.  However you choose to put yours up, they add to the beauty and mystery of the lodge.

       Main purpose of the lining is to produce a draft  for your fire.  This will help prevent smoke in the tipi.  Privacy is was not a main                               option as women and men dressed in front of each other until the coming of the Missionaries.  So "privacy" curtains are a new concept.  

       Owners and most often the decorator of the lining are in bold type while the maker of the tipi/lining is in Italics.

*Pegging down linings and covers

                                    *National Museum of the American Indian

mailto:tipisholley@yahoo.com