After the extinction of the buffalo, Native American people used this same type of canvas for their lodges, and well into the 20th century. The tipis are supported by nine one-inch poplar dowels. The dowels break down into two pieces and are connected by polyurethane tubing. Poplar is a very strong, lightweight hardwood, capable of standing up to any abuse that children might give them. All stress areas on the tipi are double sewn for reinforcement.
All edges are hemmed to eliminate fraying.
The lace pin holes are zig-zag stitched to eliminate any need for grommets. Only a few small changes have been made to the structure which might differentiate this product from an original Sioux lodge. Those changes were made in order to increase strength and utility. The enclosure weighs 26 pounds and fits compactly into a 4 foot canvas carry bag. It comes with a full set of illustrated instructions explaining both assembly and disassembly, as well as care and storage.