A
bender tent is a simple shelter. A bender tent is made using flexible branches or
withies, such as those of
hazel or
willow. These are lodged in the ground, then bent and woven together to form a strong dome-shape. The dome is then covered using any
tarpaulin available. These
can be heated during the winter using a woodburning
stove, and they are easily capable of withstanding very strong winds so long as the covers are well weighed down.
Background
The origin of the bender cannot be ascribed to any particular ethnic group. The mat tents used by
Tuareg people are very similar to them, and like structures are commonplace throughout sub-Saharan Africa. They were used by
Romani people in Europe until very recently, and in the UK were revived for a while by New Age travellers.
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