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Marking the Poles for 9' Reese Tipis

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Prior to marking your poles, it is a good idea to select the 4 longest and strongest poles from the set. These poles will be used for the "Door", "North", "South", and "Lift" poles. Mark these poles with a "D", "N", "S", and "L" accordingly so you can remember which pole you have. Initially we mark this point with a piece of narrow masking tape or with pencil or a small mark made by a magic marker. After the tipi has had a chance to shrink (and stretch) to its permanent size, we paint on permanent marks. The shrink and stretch phenomenon is discussed in Chapter One of my father's book "The 20th Century Indian Tipi"

Since all tipi shrink a little down the front and stretch a little up the back as they are exposed to the weather, we have includes measurements for both "New" and "Seasoned" Reese Tipis. All Reese Tipis patterns are adjusted to allow the shrinking and stretching that naturally occurs when canvas is seasoned, thus ensuring authentic dimensions for the life of your tipi.

1. MARK THE DOOR POLE. Place a mark the indicated distance from the butt of the pole:

New Tipis: 8' 5"  (2.56m)
Seasoned Tipis: 8' 3"  (2.51m)

2. MARK THE NORTH AND SOUTH POLES. North and south poles are usually marked the same. However, if the ground is not level, it may be necessary tie above or below the mark when tying the tripod poles together. Visit our page on Adjusting for Slope for more information.
Place a mark the indicated distance from the butt of the pole:

New and Seasoned Tipis: 7' 10"  (2.39m)

3. MARK THE LIFT POLE. Place a mark the indicated distance from the butt of the pole:

New and Seasoned Tipis: 7' 6"  (2.29m)

4. ATTACH STREAMERS. Attach streamers and/or medicine sign (horse tail) to tips of poles as desired. Usually the medicine sign is attached to the tip of the lift pole, because it extends out over the door of the tipi.