Teepee originally were tall tents dwelling used by Plains Indians and had buffalo skins fitted over wooden poles that were slanting in toward central point and then tied together near top. These had a flap at top to allow smoke to escape with a bottom flap at bottom to serve as doorway. As tall, cone-shaped and family-sized tents, these were made using animal skins (mostly of buffalo) that were sewn together and wrapped around poles. The present day construction of these tents also comprises space for smoke to disperse fires that also allows air circulation with dew cloth for absorbing humidity and preventing drafts. Further, the improved construction techniques also help in increasing service life of teepee and at same time also easing its erection.