Tapestry needles have a blunt point and an large eye and are used to stitch a design on needlepoint canvas.
The blunt tip helps the needs glide through the holes in the needlepoint canvas without catching or piercing the threads in the canvas. The larger eye accomodates the thicker yarns and wool used in needlepoint.
Needlework Tips and Techniques offers an excellent tutorial on how to select the proper needle for your project, as does Suite 101.
