That’s not a tipi. It’s a lavvu! It’s the portable dwelling used by the nomadic indigenous Sámi people when following herds of reindeer in the arctic north!
Why was it set up in Balboa Park today? It was a part of the House of Norway’s cultural lawn program at the International Cottages.
As a nearby sign explained, a lavvu is similar to a Native American tipi but less vertical and more stable for the high winds of Sápmi (formerly known as Lapland), a region mostly north of the Arctic Circle. The foundation of a lavvu is built into permafrost for warmth and stability.
The House of Norway had numerous interesting displays and activities for their lawn program this year. I had never heard of a lavvu, so it particularly intrigued me!
The flag of Sápmi was being draped on the lavvu when I took my final photograph.
The elements of the flag are symbolic. This article explains the historical meaning of its design and colors.
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