Structures fashioned utilizing the cured skins of animals represent a form of portable or semi-permanent shelter. These constructions typically employ a framework of poles or branches over which the prepared hides are stretched and secured, providing protection from the elements. Examples include the tipi of the North American Plains Indians and the yaranga of the Siberian Chukchi people.
The utilization of animal-derived materials for habitations offered significant advantages, particularly in nomadic or semi-nomadic lifestyles. The lightness and relative ease of transport of these materials allowed for frequent relocation in pursuit of resources or seasonal grazing. Furthermore, the inherent insulating properties of hides provided warmth in colder climates and protection from wind and rain. Historically, this construction method represents a sophisticated adaptation to specific environmental conditions and resource availability.
