You got it! People who lived in the plains lived in teepees or tipis. The frame was made of wooden poles and buffalo hides were stretched around them. There were flaps at the top to let smoke from a small fire out. Since the plains people often moved around to follow the buffalo, teepees were easy to take down and put up. Some tribes painted patterns on the teepees that told what family they were from, or pictures of the hunts and battles they had been in.
	Some of the tribes, like the Pawnee, lived in earth lodges in the eastern part of the plains. In the east, there was more rainfall, so the people could stay in one place and grow their food.
Some nomadic groups built homes like this wickiup. It is made of bent branches and covered with grass and brush.

Click on the arrowhead to learn about plants in the region.

Home | Plains | Dwellings | Plants | Animals | Clothing | Today | Quiz