Ash and basswood are the most traditional, but you can use other hardwoods, such as: cedar, chestnut, elm, or hickory. [3] X Research source If you are making a model, use thin, bendy twigs instead. You can also use wire instead. Florist’s wire coated in brown paper would work well.
Make your poles extra-strong by hardening the pointy ends in a fire. This will also help them last longer once you drive them into the soil. [5] X Research source If the saplings aren’t flexible enough, soak them in a lake or river for at least two days first. [6] X Research source Be sure to tie them down so that they don’t float away.
If you don’t have access to cattails, you can use heavy canvas, which was used to cover wigwams from the late 1700s onwards. [8] X Research source You will need 12 to 14 sheets that are 5 by 10 feet (1. 5 by 3. 5 meters). If you want to be more traditional, you can sew cattail leaves into large mats. Plan on using 12 to 14 mats, each 5 by 10 feet (1. 5 by 3. 5 meters). [9] X Research source If you are making a model, you could use pieces of grass, raffia, or straw instead. You can also use pieces of cotton, linen, or canvas fabric.
You can also use elm bark, or weave mats out of cattails. [11] X Research source If you are making a model, you can use white paper instead. For a more realistic effect, go over it lightly in a dry brush dipped in brown paint to make the streaks.
If there is any scrubby vegetation, you will need to clear it away. If you are making a model, build this on top of a sheet of Styrofoam or cardboard. You can even paint it brown to make it look like dirt. You can also paint it with glue, then sprinkle real dirt on top.
Try to make the holes at a slight, outward angle. This will help create a higher dome once you start building the frame. [16] X Research source If you are making a model, use a pen, pencil, or skewer to make the holes.
If you are making a model, you might want to glue your “poles” into the holes. Hot glue would work best.
Do not overlap any poles just yet; you want the poles to be all oriented in the same direction (ie: north-and-south). If you can to be traditional, use tough bark fibers from a basswood tree. [19] X Research source If you want to be less-traditional, or simply don’t have access to basswood, you could use heavy jute cording or sisal twine. [20] X Research source If you are making a model, you can use baker’s twine, jute cord, thread, or even brownish yarn.
If you spaced two holes further apart earlier, use that as your entrance.
Use the thinnest saplings for the last hoop. If your wigwam doesn’t feel sturdy enough, add a fourth horizontal hoop near the top.
Try to use one long, continuous piece of string for this. Give the wigwam a gentle shake when you are done. This will fluff out the thatching and make it water and windproof. [27] X Research source If you are making a model, you can hot glue the thatching to the frame instead.
Lash a stick to the bottom of your mat. This will make it easier to roll it up and tie it in place. [28] X Research source If you are making a model, you can use a scrap of loosely-woven fabric, such as linen or burlap. You can also use a piece of dried corn husk, or paint a piece of paper to look like a woven mat.
Remember to leave a gap on the lower hoop for the doorway. If you are making a model, you can hot glue the sheets instead.
If you are making a model, you might want to skip this step. If you really want to do it, try using suede or velvet for the fur, or felt for the blankets.
If this is a model, you can make the hearth using pebbles or pieces of clay. You don’t have to line the hole with anything.
If this is a model, you could build sleeping platforms using popsicle sticks, twigs, or paper, then carefully slide them into the wigwam through the doorway.
