Heritage
Origin of Tentipi
We were established in 1989 in Swedish Lapland and still make tents here today.
Our Nordic tipis take inspiration from the kåta, the traditional home of the Sami people, aboriginal to this part of the world.
“Kåta” or “Lavvu” is a simple cone-shaped frame of wooden poles, covered with animal hides, with an opening at the top to let out smoke. A quick way for the nomadic reindeer herding Sami people to make a wind-resistant and functional home, easy to keep warm.
The principle was simple: the fire created warmth and the hides kept it in. The fire also provided light and a homely atmosphere. Cooking and smoking food, drying clothing and other household chores could be easily done inside.
Because the kåta weighed little in relation to its size, it was the perfect solution for a nomadic lifestyle. The wooden frame was easy to make so it was left behind when the nomadic people moved on. In practice, they often returned to their earlier camps year after year, so the kåta was set up quickly using the frame previously left there.
Tentipi Nordic tipis are based upon the traditional design principles of the Sami kåta, coupled with innovative new design and the latest materials and construction techniques.
Our Nordic tipis take inspiration from the kåta, the traditional home of the Sami people, aboriginal to this part of the world.
“Kåta” or “Lavvu” is a simple cone-shaped frame of wooden poles, covered with animal hides, with an opening at the top to let out smoke. A quick way for the nomadic reindeer herding Sami people to make a wind-resistant and functional home, easy to keep warm.
The principle was simple: the fire created warmth and the hides kept it in. The fire also provided light and a homely atmosphere. Cooking and smoking food, drying clothing and other household chores could be easily done inside.
Because the kåta weighed little in relation to its size, it was the perfect solution for a nomadic lifestyle. The wooden frame was easy to make so it was left behind when the nomadic people moved on. In practice, they often returned to their earlier camps year after year, so the kåta was set up quickly using the frame previously left there.
Tentipi Nordic tipis are based upon the traditional design principles of the Sami kåta, coupled with innovative new design and the latest materials and construction techniques.
The Sami – aboriginal people of northern Scandinavia
Tentipi was founded in Swedish Lapland, in the village Moskosel, in East Kikkejaurs forest Sami village.
Our region is part of Sàpmi, the land stretching over northern Scandinavia and north western Russia where Sami have resided for millenia. In past time the Sami lived mainly off fishing, trapping, nomadic reindeer herding, and from small farms. Many had a nomadic lifestyle travelling with the reindeer herds, but during the 20th century more and more became settled. Unlike many other indigenous people on earth, the Sami are integrated in the majority societies of the Nordic countries and work and live as any citizen. While sharing cultural values with the majority populations, many Sami also maintain their Sami heritage and culture. Many Sami keep reindeer and work part or full time as herders, combining a modern lifestyle with traditional tasks.
Curious about Sami culture?
We call them Nordic tipis
The local names “kåta”, “lavvu” and “tent hut” are not known in other parts of the world, so “tipi” became the natural choice for us because this concept is internationally known. And since our tents’ origin is Sweden, a Nordic country, we gave them the international name “Nordic tipi”.
One major difference between the Nordic construction compared to the North American tipis is that the Nordic type has a loose vent cap to be able to regulate in all wind directions.
Ethical recommendations to our customers
We’re not a Sami company, but we come from a part of Sweden where many Sami live and where the Sami culture is present in everyday life. This multicultural community is the foundation of our business.
Throughout history, generations of indigenous people of the world have seen their rights diminished and their lifestyles and cultures threatened. Therefore, we believe their heritage must be treated with the utmost respect. We also believe that developing the inventions of past generations and other cultures is a hallmark of humanity and something we as humans can be proud of, as long as we do it with respect. But we should not profanely distort nor without consent profit from anyone’s cultural manifestations, for this is a part of their identity and thus something which we are not entitled to. We strive to find constructive business relationships with anyone, indigenous or non-indigenous, because we believe every culture has something to offer. We strongly advise anyone using our products to have the same approach and to join us in this spirit.
