Painted
Liners
The tiozan
or liner is important although one can enjoy his tipi without
it during hot summer days. It is a key-element to make a tipi
comfortable by controlling draft and smoke. When camping in
the forest or on a lakeshore, it will help to keep most insects
out which is also appreciated by seasoned campers. For the
winter, the liner will prevent the occupants from freezing,
it also provides an extra insulation. In the old days, people
used to stuff dry grass between liner and cover to increase
the insulation of their lodge.
When I was working as a guide, I called my old tipi "sweet home" for
many memorable seasons. The lodge was pitched in a charming little
clearing bordered by a small creek, and surrounded the dick boreal
forest. The lake with its pristine water was a mere arrow shot
away. Everybody loved the place, it was enchanting although there
were clouds of black flies buzzing around during the day and zillions
of mosquitoes trying to break down my patience at night. But thanks
to my liner, the tipi was nice and comfortable, sleeping was most
of the time very peaceful. As you can see (picture), a liner makes
the tipi so comfortable that even babies enjoy it.
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In
the old days, life on the Plains was dangerous. Enemy war
raids and other attacks were a real risk. Nobody wanted to
become a target when in a lodge, so people avoided anything
that could make them seen and vulnerable from the outside.
A liner would provide such a protection and a good intimacy
by keeping the shadows created by the campfire on the tipi
cover.
There are no more enemies to fear in the Plains today but still,
we all enjoy a little extra privacy! |
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