Tipi camps

The people who followed the great herds of bison lived in tipis made out of hide. Easily transportable, tipis were transported using travois pulled by dogs and, later, horses. The families' other belongings also had to be portable and everything from pemmican to moccasins were stored in beautifully painted parfleche bags. Nomadic tribes would gather together in great numbers throughout the year for special occasions and other seasonal gatherings like hunting parties, but would then break into smaller bands for the winter.

Setting up a tipi

Tipis were quickly assembled by the women after they reached camp. Tipi poles and the tipi itself were transported by travois. Once at camp, the women raised the poles and tied the tipi in place.