What is the symbolic meaning of a teepee?

Answer 1

A Teepee was not designed with any symbolic meaning. It was designed the way it was because it was a mobile structure that could be easily taken down and moved and then re-assembled at another camp. It's shape allows rain to run off and not puddle up and leak and because of the steep sides it let snow slide off and not weigh it down causing a collapse. The high peak at the top also allowed for a fire inside the structure and the smoke to rise above head level and escape out the top. It was designed to protect against the elements, comfort of the inhabitants, and mobility.