A tipi (also teepee, tepee) is a conical tent originally made of animal skins or birch bark and popularized by the American Indians of the Great Plains. The dwelling was remarkably durable, and gave warmth and comfort to its inhabitants during harsh winters, was dry during heavy rains, and cool during the heat of summers. It was portable, which was an important factor since most Plains Indians were highly mobile, and could be broken down and packed away quickly when a tribe decided to move, and could be constructed just as quickly when a tribe settled an area.