Native People lived in two different dome-shaped structures called wigwams and tipis, which are also spelled teepees. The primary difference between wigwam and teepee is that wigwam is a permanent structure that cannot be moved, whereas teepee is a portable temporary structure.
Let us learn the primary difference between wigwam and teepee below:
What is a Wigwam?
Native People typically stayed in wigwams as temporary housing. Wigwams may have a 20-foot diameter and be usually shaped like a dome.
Usually, saplings bent and lashed together were used to construct them. Bamboo, grass mats, or animal skins were often used to cover wigwams.
These served as gathering spots for families to interact, eat, and sleep. These family homes could accommodate up to 10 or 12 people, though the size varied depending on the family and locality. Wigwams could serve as places of worship or as gathering places for locals.
What is a Teepee?
Tipi or teepee are the exact words for shelter housing. Native Indians used to live in teepees, often referred to as tipis, and they still do. “House” is the meaning of the name tipi.
The teepee is a buffalo skin-covered conical building composed of poles. The top of the residence is held together by rope. It is secured to the ground using pegs during vital wind events.
A tiny fire in the center of the teepee was meant to be there. Smoke flaps assisted in supplying oxygen to feed the fire, while the hole at the top enabled smoke to escape.
To help blow the fire up and out the chimney hole, the buildings were wind-facing. The sides of the teepee were pulled up during warm weather to let the breeze pass.
Difference Between Wigwam and Teepee
The primary difference between wigwam and teepee are below:
The difference between wigwam and teepee is that teepees are more conical, while wigwams are either oval or rectangular.
Another difference between wigwam and teepee is that teepee is usually used only for brief visits, whereas wigwams may be occupied for long and short periods.
The other main difference between wigwam and teepee is that teepees are most used by Plains Indians, whereas diverse tribes throughout the country built wigwams.
Moreover, teepees had a bottom doorway that could be closed with a flap, but wigwams typically had entrances through the top or side.
Teepee Vs. Wigwam
The comparison between teepee vs. wigwam is below:
Both names refer to broad groups of typical Native American habitations. Each tribe or country had its pattern based on resources, way of life, and a unique name for it.
While teepee and wigwam are not the proper terminologies, they have persisted in popular culture.
Both wigwams and teepees were present. The Native Americans of the Northeast utilized wigwams, whereas the Native Americans of the Great Plains used teepees.
The difference between wigwam and teepee is that wigwams are more durable buildings with timber frames that were covered in whatever was available. The nomadic people used teepees, which were temporary homes made of animal hide.
Building wigwams requires more time. Teepees are simple to take apart and put back together. In contrast to wigwams, teepees feature smoke flaps and a top entrance.
Wigwam Vs. Teepee: Manufacturing
The comparison between wigwam vs. teepee in terms of their making or manufacturing is below:
Manufacturing of Wigwam
Wigwams were built on flat ground. The top ends of wooden poles, which may be up to 5 m long, were collected together and connected, usually using juniper roots or other organic materials.
Shorter wooden poles were inserted between the more giant poles and tied together when the bare dome or cone structure was finished.
The frame was wrapped in thick layers of bark or animal hides before being stitched together. When packing moss or grass mats around the bark to guard against rain and strong winds. Animal hides were used to cover the doorways.
Manufacturing of Teepee
A timber frame and buffalo leather are used as the outside of the tipis. The door had buffalo or calfskin, and the interior was lined with linen or leather.
Canvas or buffalo skin tipi covers were created by sewing them together and clipping one end to create a door. The smoke flaps and the hole at the top are the primary features that set tipis apart from wigwams and other buildings.
The residents can cook inside and manage the smoke thanks to the top opening and smoke flaps. The fact that they could have an open fire within the tipis helped to keep them warm and quite well.
If we compare wigwam vs. teepee in structure and manufacturing, wigwam is more durable in construction and manufacturing.
They have a wooden structure and a variety of roofing materials, including grass, bark, cloth, animal hides, and mats.
On the other hand, teepees are more of a temporary home. They are used by tribal people and other tribes that have gone hunting.
What is the Difference Between Wigwam and Teepee?
Highlighting the main difference between wigwam and teepee in the following table:
| Wigwam | Teepee |
|---|---|
| Wigwams are more permanent shelters with a timber frame. | Teepees are more temporary structures, usually made of animal skin. |
| Wigwam takes more time to build. | Teepees take less time to build. |
| Wigwam is challenging to deconstruct and reassemble. | Teepees are simple to take apart and put back together. |
| Wigwam is like a dome shape. | Teepees are in a cone shape. |
Conclusion
The difference between wigwam and teepee is that teepees are relatively portable, whereas wigwams are much more permanent. Teepees resemble tents more than wigwams, which have a dome-like shape. Both are used for shelter and gathering purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What does the Native American word wigwam mean?
The root wik- or wig-, which in many Plains languages means “to reside,” is whence the word “wigwam” originates. Native Americans in the northeastern United States live in wigwams. It is a circular, conical, dome-shaped building.
It is used by various Native Americans in the Northeast, and due to its curved surface, it makes an excellent shelter in all weather.
2) What is the wigwam’s history?
In North America, wigwams have been made for countless years. Several Indigenous people constructed these as their primary homes during the pre-colonial period.
Similar to wooden houses, they were made of trees and bark but were considerably more compact and simple to build. Wigwams used poles from trees that would be bent and fastened together to construct a dome-shaped dwelling.
3) Is a teepee a wigwam?
Native Indians created and occupied wigwams, which were dome-shaped structures covered in bark or skins. The teepee is one style of Native American dwelling. A wigwam has a curved top, whereas a teepee has a pointed top.
4) What is the difference between tipi or teepee?
A conical, moveable building with two movable smoke flaps is called a tipi or teepee. So, the correct spelling of our tepees is tipi. The alternative spelling is used since it is actually pronounced TEEPEE. The term tipi might be written teepee or tepee due to the complexity of the English language.
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