SE Woodlands & CahokiaSE Woodlands & Cahokia

Sedentary PeriodSedentary Period

MississippianMississippian

CahokiaCahokia

Middle Sedentary PeriodMiddle Sedentary Period

Poverty Point culture eclipses around between 500-Poverty Point culture eclipses around between 500-300 B.C. and is replaced by cultures lacking 300 B.C. and is replaced by cultures lacking indicators of centralized ranked societies. indicators of centralized ranked societies. Middle Sedentary Period: Middle Sedentary Period: – Dates: 300 B.C.-A.D. 300 Dates: 300 B.C.-A.D. 300 – Following the decentralization of Poverty Point, there Following the decentralization of Poverty Point, there

appears a re-growth of social complexity during this period. appears a re-growth of social complexity during this period. – Population growth and settlement density appears on the Population growth and settlement density appears on the

rise. rise. – Cultural orientation points toward northern cultural Cultural orientation points toward northern cultural

affiliations with Hopewell peoples. affiliations with Hopewell peoples. – Two prominent examples of these trends can be found in Two prominent examples of these trends can be found in

the Marksville site and in the Santa Rosa/ Swift Creek the Marksville site and in the Santa Rosa/ Swift Creek "complex." "complex."

Marksville SiteMarksville SiteLocated in Louisiana Located in Louisiana – Suggested as a significant Hopewell cultural inroad into the Southeast Suggested as a significant Hopewell cultural inroad into the Southeast – Maybe the result of a migration of Illinois Hopewell into Louisiana! (?) Maybe the result of a migration of Illinois Hopewell into Louisiana! (?) – The Marksville Site exhibits marked similarities with those of their "Yankee The Marksville Site exhibits marked similarities with those of their "Yankee

neighbors" to the north. neighbors" to the north. Marksville Site description (after W. N. Morgan 1980:37-38): Marksville Site description (after W. N. Morgan 1980:37-38): – 16 hectares enclosed within a semicircular moat and embankment enclosure 16 hectares enclosed within a semicircular moat and embankment enclosure

(1,000 meters long) (1,000 meters long) – Eastern side of site is a bluff of the "Old River" (a bypassed Mississippi Eastern side of site is a bluff of the "Old River" (a bypassed Mississippi

channel) channel) – Three openings exist to the south and west Three openings exist to the south and west – A central plaza is bounded by: A central plaza is bounded by:

Two conical-mound-topped truncated platforms (north and south) and Two conical-mound-topped truncated platforms (north and south) and Sunken plaza (tothe east) Sunken plaza (tothe east) Conical mound (to the west) that contained a log-tomb burial) Conical mound (to the west) that contained a log-tomb burial) To the south, by two entrances and just outside the "defenses," was a large circular To the south, by two entrances and just outside the "defenses," was a large circular enclosure (measuring 91 meters in diameter by 61 centimeters high). enclosure (measuring 91 meters in diameter by 61 centimeters high).

While Marksville may be more closely aligned with the Hopewell (possibly While Marksville may be more closely aligned with the Hopewell (possibly being part of their "Interaction Sphere"?), other sites and regions show being part of their "Interaction Sphere"?), other sites and regions show less centralization and increasing regionalism, such as: less centralization and increasing regionalism, such as: – Santa Rosa/Swift Creek (Florida) and Santa Rosa/Swift Creek (Florida) and – Copena [Copper-Galena] (of Alabama) Copena [Copper-Galena] (of Alabama)

Marksville MoundMarksville Mound

Santa Rosa/Swift CreekSanta Rosa/Swift Creek

Located in Florida Located in Florida At this site it appears that we might be dealing with At this site it appears that we might be dealing with something more analogous to egalitarian- something more analogous to egalitarian- redistributive economy chiefdoms. redistributive economy chiefdoms. "Big-Men" model chiefdoms "Big-Men" model chiefdoms – "Big Men" derived from Melanesian ethnographic work "Big Men" derived from Melanesian ethnographic work – "Big Men" receive goods and services through their "Big Men" receive goods and services through their

achievement (rather than having their power ascribed achievement (rather than having their power ascribed through birth) through birth)

– Santa Rosa/Swift Creek Complex may have led into the Santa Rosa/Swift Creek Complex may have led into the succeeding Late Sedentary culture typified by Weeden succeeding Late Sedentary culture typified by Weeden Island Island

The Miami CircleThe Miami Circle

The Miami Circle is located within archaeological The Miami Circle is located within archaeological site 8DA12, also known as "Miami Midden #2" or site 8DA12, also known as "Miami Midden #2" or "Brickell Point." It is situated on a 2.2 acre parcel "Brickell Point." It is situated on a 2.2 acre parcel that is located along the southern bank of the that is located along the southern bank of the Miami River where the river meets Biscayne Miami River where the river meets Biscayne Bay. Bay. The Miami Circle consists of a series of 24 large The Miami Circle consists of a series of 24 large holes or basins, and many smaller holes, which holes or basins, and many smaller holes, which have been cut into the oolitic limestone bedrock. have been cut into the oolitic limestone bedrock. Together these holes form a circle approximately Together these holes form a circle approximately 38 feet in diameter. Other arrangements of holes 38 feet in diameter. Other arrangements of holes are apparent as well. are apparent as well.

The Miami CircleThe Miami Circle

http://www.flheritage.com/brickellpoint/facts.html

Late Sedentary PeriodLate Sedentary Period

Dates: A.D. 300-700 Dates: A.D. 300-700 Following the Marksville Phase developments, there Following the Marksville Phase developments, there were cultural continuities and further developments were cultural continuities and further developments in the areas adjoining southern Georgia and in the areas adjoining southern Georgia and northern Florida. northern Florida. Weeden Island Complex: Weeden Island Complex: – During this time in the Hopewell Heartland in the north (i.e. During this time in the Hopewell Heartland in the north (i.e.

in the Ohio River Valley) things were in decline. in the Ohio River Valley) things were in decline. – Weeden Island sites, such as Kolomoki in south Georgia, Weeden Island sites, such as Kolomoki in south Georgia,

show that post-Hopewellian decline was show that post-Hopewellian decline was notnot a factor here! a factor here! – Weeden Island is more impressive than the previous Weeden Island is more impressive than the previous

Marksville Phase, and may have emerged out of the earlier Marksville Phase, and may have emerged out of the earlier Santa Rosa/Swift Creek cultures Santa Rosa/Swift Creek cultures

– Kolomoki site will provide an example of Weeden Island Kolomoki site will provide an example of Weeden Island cultures. cultures.

Kolomoki SiteKolomoki SiteSite location: Site location: – On a small tributary of the Chattahoochee River On a small tributary of the Chattahoochee River – Area of diverse local environment Area of diverse local environment

Site area: Site area: – 1.2 million square meters (1.2 km2) 1.2 million square meters (1.2 km2)

Site characteristics: Site characteristics: – Numerous small mounds, some with burials Numerous small mounds, some with burials – Large rectangular mound with a flat summit Large rectangular mound with a flat summit

17 meters high by 61 meters by 99 meters17 meters high by 61 meters by 99 metersNo ramp (as in later Mississippian temple mounds), but the excavator No ramp (as in later Mississippian temple mounds), but the excavator Sears suggests log or clay steps once led to the summit Sears suggests log or clay steps once led to the summit

– Mounds were finished (i.e., capped) with colored clays: Mounds were finished (i.e., capped) with colored clays: Red clay from the site Red clay from the site Yellow clay from the creek Yellow clay from the creek Thin layers of white sand Thin layers of white sand Final cap was 2 meters thick Final cap was 2 meters thick Thus: We are dealing with truncated platforms, with or without stairways Thus: We are dealing with truncated platforms, with or without stairways

Kolomoki SocietyKolomoki Society

Burials: Burials: – Elaborate ceramics accompanied burials Elaborate ceramics accompanied burials – "Retainers" may be indicated as part of elite burials "Retainers" may be indicated as part of elite burials – Thus: Burials, equipped with grave goods placed in large Thus: Burials, equipped with grave goods placed in large

mounds, implies at least a ranked society (if not formally mounds, implies at least a ranked society (if not formally stratified society) stratified society)

Population: Population: – Using village area, some have suggested maybe 1,000 Using village area, some have suggested maybe 1,000

personspersons– Population size, plus mound size, plus organizational layout, Population size, plus mound size, plus organizational layout,

plus elaborate burials (with grave goods and retainers) plus elaborate burials (with grave goods and retainers) implies probably a chiefdom-level of social complexity. implies probably a chiefdom-level of social complexity.

Subsistence: Subsistence: – No suggestion of heavy dependence on squash or maize No suggestion of heavy dependence on squash or maize

cultigens cultigens – Thus, we may still be dealing with a case of "Primary Forest Thus, we may still be dealing with a case of "Primary Forest

Efficiency"—or intensive foragers. Efficiency"—or intensive foragers.

Kolomoki site: ArtifactsKolomoki site: Artifacts

http://www.georgiaplanning.com/history/kolomoki/pots2.htm

Concluding observations on the Concluding observations on the Sedentary PeriodSedentary Period

Essentially a non-agricultural life way prevailed, Essentially a non-agricultural life way prevailed, although Cultigens appear present there was No although Cultigens appear present there was No evidence of primary dependence upon them evidence of primary dependence upon them Exhibits both parallels and dissimilarities with cultural Exhibits both parallels and dissimilarities with cultural developments in the northern Eastern Woodlands. developments in the northern Eastern Woodlands. Period when several chiefdoms emerged: Period when several chiefdoms emerged: – Poverty Point (Early Sedentary) Poverty Point (Early Sedentary) – Marksville (Middle Sedentary) Marksville (Middle Sedentary) – Kolomoki (Weeden Island Culture—Late Sedentary) Kolomoki (Weeden Island Culture—Late Sedentary)

Architectural emergence of flat-topped mounds that Architectural emergence of flat-topped mounds that may imply an autochthonous origin for later may imply an autochthonous origin for later Mississippian mounds.Mississippian mounds.Dynamics of "foreign" areas may have played a part in Dynamics of "foreign" areas may have played a part in Sedentary cultural developments— both in "direct" Sedentary cultural developments— both in "direct" and "indirect" fashion and "indirect" fashion

MississippianMississippian

The archaeologist Jon Muller (1978) prefers The archaeologist Jon Muller (1978) prefers to use the term "Late Prehistoric" to cover to use the term "Late Prehistoric" to cover this period of cultural development because this period of cultural development because it is less of a geography-laden term and it is less of a geography-laden term and reflects a variety of locations of sites. reflects a variety of locations of sites.

Still, we are basically going to be discussing Still, we are basically going to be discussing those cultures that appeared to have been those cultures that appeared to have been autochthonous developments out of earlier autochthonous developments out of earlier local Late Sedentary societies—in other local Late Sedentary societies—in other words, Mississippian Cultures. words, Mississippian Cultures.

Major changesMajor changes

Major changes characterizing the Late Prehistoric cultures of the Major changes characterizing the Late Prehistoric cultures of the Southeast include: Southeast include: An increasing dependence upon agriculture for livelihood An increasing dependence upon agriculture for livelihood The development of highly organized and ranked societies The development of highly organized and ranked societies (something that apparently was largely contemporaneous throughout (something that apparently was largely contemporaneous throughout the Southeast) the Southeast) Increasing emphasis upon warfare with Late Prehistoric sites often Increasing emphasis upon warfare with Late Prehistoric sites often well fortified well fortified Increasing population growth Increasing population growth Increase in the widespread exchange of goods Increase in the widespread exchange of goods Characteristic artifacts and iconography Characteristic artifacts and iconography Widespread occurrence of the "Southern Cult" or the "Southeastern Widespread occurrence of the "Southern Cult" or the "Southeastern Ceremonial Complex" (sometimes also called the "Southern Death Ceremonial Complex" (sometimes also called the "Southern Death Cult" reflecting a preoccupation with death imagery) Cult" reflecting a preoccupation with death imagery) Truncated earthen temple-mound construction surmounted by Truncated earthen temple-mound construction surmounted by temple/elite residential structures temple/elite residential structures

Late Prehistoric Regional Late Prehistoric Regional SubdivisionsSubdivisions

Muller prefers "Late Prehistoric" to Muller prefers "Late Prehistoric" to Mississippian because of what he (and many Mississippian because of what he (and many others) considers sufficient degrees of others) considers sufficient degrees of geographically distant regional geographically distant regional distinctiveness. distinctiveness. Thus, he sees "Mississippian" as too Thus, he sees "Mississippian" as too geographically determinant. geographically determinant. It appears that we can better speak of a variety It appears that we can better speak of a variety of regional expressions of cultural complexity of regional expressions of cultural complexity (that once would have been called (that once would have been called "Mississippian" even though many were "Mississippian" even though many were considerably distant from that river). considerably distant from that river).

Major Mississippian Sites

http://www.cr.nps.gov/seac/outline/05-mississippian/sites.htm

Mississippian (or Late Mississippian (or Late Prehistoric) cultural complexesPrehistoric) cultural complexesOneota ComplexOneota Complex: : – Upper Mississippi drainage Upper Mississippi drainage – Major sites: Major sites: Bryan SiteBryan Site (by Red Wing, Minnesota) (by Red Wing, Minnesota)

Fort Ancient ComplexFort Ancient Complex: : – Southwest Ohio, Southeast Indiana, Northern Southwest Ohio, Southeast Indiana, Northern

KentuckyKentucky

Caddoan ComplexCaddoan Complex: : – Arkansas River DrainageArkansas River Drainage – Westernmost "Mississippian" cultureWesternmost "Mississippian" culture– Most famous site was Most famous site was SpiroSpiro in Oklahoma in Oklahoma

Complexes ContinuedComplexes Continued

Central Mississippi ComplexCentral Mississippi Complex: : – Mississippi River and Illinois River drainagesMississippi River and Illinois River drainages – The The Mississippi BottomsMississippi Bottoms – Most significant site Most significant site CahokiaCahokia – Other sites: Other sites: Pulcher Site,Pulcher Site, Mitchell SiteMitchell Site

Kinkaid ComplexKinkaid Complex: : – Ohio River mouth west to where the Ohio enters the Ohio River mouth west to where the Ohio enters the

MississippiMississippi – Southern Indiana and IllinoisSouthern Indiana and Illinois – Major sites: Major sites: Kinkaid, AngelKinkaid, Angel

Dalles ComplexDalles Complex: : – Tennessee and Cumberland River drainagesTennessee and Cumberland River drainages: : – Major sites: Major sites: Etowah, HiwasseeEtowah, Hiwassee

Complexes ContinuedComplexes Continued

Moundville ComplexMoundville Complex: : – Alabama and Mississippi areaAlabama and Mississippi area – Major site: Major site: MoundvilleMoundville

Plaquemine ComplexPlaquemine Complex: : – Lower Mississippi RiverLower Mississippi River – Major sites: Major sites: Coles Creek,Coles Creek, Lake GeorgeLake George

South Appalachian ComplexSouth Appalachian Complex: : – South Georgia and Northeast FloridaSouth Georgia and Northeast Florida – Seat of the Sedentary Period Santa Rosa/Swift Seat of the Sedentary Period Santa Rosa/Swift

Creek and subsequent Weeden Island culturesCreek and subsequent Weeden Island cultures

Fort Walton ComplexFort Walton Complex: : – Northwest FloridaNorthwest Florida – Major site: Major site: Fort WaltonFort Walton

Late Prehistoric SubsistenceLate Prehistoric Subsistence

Subsistence was based on agricultural Subsistence was based on agricultural crops: crops: – Maize, Beans (Maize, Beans (Phaseolus vulgarisPhaseolus vulgaris),Squash, ),Squash,

Sunflower, Marsh elder, Gourds Sunflower, Marsh elder, Gourds – Secondary wild food sources: Chenopods Secondary wild food sources: Chenopods

& Nuts: Hickory, Walnut, Acorn & Nuts: Hickory, Walnut, Acorn – Fruits Fruits – Fish Fish – Waterfowl Waterfowl – Mammals: Deer, Raccoon, TurkeyMammals: Deer, Raccoon, Turkey

Late Prehistoric SettlementLate Prehistoric SettlementFound mostly riverine Found mostly riverine – Settlement location most probably reflected Settlement location most probably reflected

considerations for:considerations for:Local subsistence resources Local subsistence resources

Alluvial soils Alluvial soils

Transportation and communication Transportation and communication

Upland settlement exists, but most probably Upland settlement exists, but most probably reflects seasonal hunting activities. reflects seasonal hunting activities.

Varieties of settlement types suggested to reflect Varieties of settlement types suggested to reflect – Specialized activities Specialized activities – Responses for functioning for the broader society. Responses for functioning for the broader society. – Residential, Procurement , Administrative Residential, Procurement , Administrative

Sites arranged hierarchicallySites arranged hierarchically

Types of sites: Types of sites: – Large centralized sites Large centralized sites

High-ranked administrators, Bureaucrats and priest, Collection High-ranked administrators, Bureaucrats and priest, Collection and redistribution of food and materials, Supervision of and redistribution of food and materials, Supervision of ceremonial and ritual celebrations of the social system ceremonial and ritual celebrations of the social system

– Small centers Small centers Low-rank administrators, Farmsteads, Basic unit most likely a Low-rank administrators, Farmsteads, Basic unit most likely a small family group of some type small family group of some type

Settlement organization: Settlement organization: – Sites of more than one mound appear organized as follows: Sites of more than one mound appear organized as follows: – Central plaza, Large central mound (presumably elevated Central plaza, Large central mound (presumably elevated

toward the sun [i.e., the solar deity]), Council house on the toward the sun [i.e., the solar deity]), Council house on the opposite side, Smaller mounds graded away from these, opposite side, Smaller mounds graded away from these, Village area surrounded central precinct, Cornfields Village area surrounded central precinct, Cornfields surrounded village.surrounded village.

Mississippian Cities: ToquaMississippian Cities: Toqua

Moundville, ALMoundville, AL

Etowah Mounds, GAEtowah Mounds, GA

Late Prehistoric house formLate Prehistoric house form

Wall constructionWall construction: : – Vertical poles set in trenches covered over with Vertical poles set in trenches covered over with – Mud plaster (i.e., Mud plaster (i.e., wattle-and-daubwattle-and-daub construction) construction) – Plaster-covered matsPlaster-covered mats

Roof was thatchedRoof was thatched Floor planFloor plan generally generally squaresquare HearthHearth in the in the center of the floorcenter of the floor General structural templateGeneral structural template applied for: applied for: – Farmers' houses, Mortuary temples for the bodies of Farmers' houses, Mortuary temples for the bodies of

the local aristocracy, Palaces of the living chieftains the local aristocracy, Palaces of the living chieftains

Late Prehistoric Sociopolitical Late Prehistoric Sociopolitical SystemsSystems

Hierarchical system implied, ranging from:Hierarchical system implied, ranging from:Local Chiefdoms Local Chiefdoms – Possibly the complex state (in some instances, at Possibly the complex state (in some instances, at

least in emergent form): least in emergent form): – Ramie State, with the capital having been Cahokia Ramie State, with the capital having been Cahokia – Possibly others at Moundville, etc. Possibly others at Moundville, etc.

Social stratification was documented clearly by Social stratification was documented clearly by the early French explorers for the ethnohistoric the early French explorers for the ethnohistoric Natchez Natchez – Rulership vested in the "Sun" and "Stinkards" Rulership vested in the "Sun" and "Stinkards"

represented the bottom social stratum represented the bottom social stratum

Late Prehistoric Burial SystemsLate Prehistoric Burial Systems

Pottery and other artifacts buried with the deceased Pottery and other artifacts buried with the deceased Some vessels ceremonially "killed" Some vessels ceremonially "killed" Decorative motifs associated with mortuary furniture: Decorative motifs associated with mortuary furniture: – Hand, Eye, Bones, Skulls Hand, Eye, Bones, Skulls – Bodies appear to have been placed upon, or wrapped in, mats Bodies appear to have been placed upon, or wrapped in, mats

and/or skins and/or skins

Burial practices varied: Burial practices varied: – Mortuary charnel houses Mortuary charnel houses – Stretched and flexed burials have been found Stretched and flexed burials have been found – Disarticulated (i.e., secondary) burials Disarticulated (i.e., secondary) burials – Cremated remains often placed in urns Cremated remains often placed in urns

Still, in virtually all cases, mortuary offerings carrying Still, in virtually all cases, mortuary offerings carrying symbolism associated with the "Southeastern symbolism associated with the "Southeastern Ceremonial Complex" or the "Southern Cult" were Ceremonial Complex" or the "Southern Cult" were placed with the dead. placed with the dead.

Southeastern Ceremonial Southeastern Ceremonial ComplexComplex—defined—defined

The aesthetics, iconography, and variety of media The aesthetics, iconography, and variety of media employed make the prehistoric Mississippian employed make the prehistoric Mississippian Southeast one of the richest archaeological areas in Southeast one of the richest archaeological areas in North America. North America. The three main sites producing such art were: The three main sites producing such art were: – Etowah (Georgia) Etowah (Georgia) – Moundville (Alabama) Moundville (Alabama) – Spiro (Oklahoma) Spiro (Oklahoma)

Much of Mississippian art reflects themes of the Much of Mississippian art reflects themes of the Southeastern Ceremonial Complex in terms of: Southeastern Ceremonial Complex in terms of: – Motifs, God-animal representations, Ceremonial Motifs, God-animal representations, Ceremonial

objects,Costume details objects,Costume details

Southeastern Ceremonial Southeastern Ceremonial Complex MotifsComplex Motifs

CrossCross – "Greek" cross "Greek" cross – Swastika Swastika

Sun circlesSun circles – Rayed Rayed – Scalloped Scalloped

Bi-lobed arrowBi-lobed arrow Forked eyeForked eye Open eyeOpen eye Barred ovalBarred oval Hand-and-eyeHand-and-eyeDeath motifsDeath motifs: Skull, Femur, Fleshed radius and ulna, : Skull, Femur, Fleshed radius and ulna, Skeletal hand Skeletal hand

Southeastern Ceremonial Complex Southeastern Ceremonial Complex God-Animal RepresentationsGod-Animal Representations

BirdsBirds: : – EaglesEagles (both naturalistic and anthropomorphized) (both naturalistic and anthropomorphized) – WoodpeckersWoodpeckers: Pileated, Ivory-billed (now extinct) : Pileated, Ivory-billed (now extinct) – Hawk, Falcon,Hawk, Falcon, TurkeyTurkey (always naturalistic) (always naturalistic)

RattlesnakeRattlesnake: : Horned,Horned, Plumed,Plumed, WingedWinged, , AnthropomorphizedAnthropomorphized BobCatBobCat (always naturalistic) (always naturalistic) PantherPanther DeerDeer SpiderSpider

Animal RepresentationsAnimal Representations

Southeastern Ceremonial Southeastern Ceremonial Complex Ceremonial ObjectsComplex Ceremonial Objects

Often associated with above motifs and God-Animal Often associated with above motifs and God-Animal BeingsBeings. . – GorgetsGorgets– Conch pendantsConch pendants ( (ColumellaColumella) ) – Embossed copper platesEmbossed copper plates – Sheet copper hair emblemsSheet copper hair emblems – Ear spoolsEar spools– CeltsCelts – Monolithic axesMonolithic axes – Batons or macesBatons or maces – Effigy pipesEffigy pipes – Notched stone disksNotched stone disks – Discoidal stonesDiscoidal stones ( (ChunkeeChunkee) ) – Conch shell bowlsConch shell bowls – Ceremonial flintsCeremonial flints – Bottles:Bottles: (Possibly for(Possibly for black drinkblack drink?)?)

Mississippian CeramicsMississippian Ceramics

Human Effigy

Owl

Dog

Shell OrnamentsShell Ornaments

Shell Mask

Spider Gorget

Priest/Warrior Gorget

Lithic ArtifactsLithic Artifacts

Monolithic AxeDuck River Cache, TN

Southeastern Ceremonial Southeastern Ceremonial Complex Costume DetailsComplex Costume Details

Hair treatment (Occipital hair knot) Hair treatment (Occipital hair knot) Antlered headdresses Antlered headdresses Ornaments: Ornaments: – Bi-lobed arrow hair ornament Bi-lobed arrow hair ornament – Copper-plume hair ornament Copper-plume hair ornament – Hair tablets Hair tablets – Ear (usually tasseled ear spools) Ear (usually tasseled ear spools) – Body: Beaded arm and leg bands, Necklaces, Body: Beaded arm and leg bands, Necklaces,

Beaded choker, Beaded belt.Beaded choker, Beaded belt.– Clothing: Knotted sashes, Fringed apron, Carried Clothing: Knotted sashes, Fringed apron, Carried

or suspended paraphernalia: Baton, Flint knives, or suspended paraphernalia: Baton, Flint knives, Human heads (trophies?), Hafted celts, Human heads (trophies?), Hafted celts, ChunkeeChunkee stones stones

Human FiguresHuman Figures

CahokiaCahokia

Site location: Site location: – 16 km east-northeast of Saint Louis (in East Saint 16 km east-northeast of Saint Louis (in East Saint

Louis), On Cahokia Creek Louis), On Cahokia Creek – Cahokia was the largest prehistoric city north of Cahokia was the largest prehistoric city north of

Mexico! Mexico! – At its peak it may have had some 10,000 At its peak it may have had some 10,000

inhabitants! inhabitants! – Appears to have been the center of at least 50 Appears to have been the center of at least 50

communities in the American Bottom region communities in the American Bottom region – May have been the capitol of the Ramie State May have been the capitol of the Ramie State – May have exerted influence in an extensive May have exerted influence in an extensive

hinterland perhaps extending as far north as hinterland perhaps extending as far north as Aztlan between Milwaukee and Madison! Aztlan between Milwaukee and Madison!

Cahokia ReconstructionCahokia Reconstruction

City CenterCity Center

Site center is basically diamond shaped with an Site center is basically diamond shaped with an interior palisaded core interior palisaded core – 4.58 km east-west by 3.67 km north-south and 13.4 km2 4.58 km east-west by 3.67 km north-south and 13.4 km2 – 120 mounds 120 mounds

City center: City center: – Monk's Mound plus 16 other mounds Monk's Mound plus 16 other mounds – Basically shaped like a squat boat heading south Basically shaped like a squat boat heading south – Surrounded by a palisade on three sides (Cahokia Creek Surrounded by a palisade on three sides (Cahokia Creek

defining the fourth side) defining the fourth side)

Majority of mounds lie outside the palisaded inner Majority of mounds lie outside the palisaded inner core core – One small mound yielded the burial of a high-ranking One small mound yielded the burial of a high-ranking

individual buried with: Caches of arrow heads, Polished individual buried with: Caches of arrow heads, Polished stone, Mica, Six sacrificed male retainers, A separate mass stone, Mica, Six sacrificed male retainers, A separate mass grave containing 53 women grave containing 53 women

– This may not have been the real "head honcho!" This may not have been the real "head honcho!"

Reconstructed PalisadeReconstructed Palisade

"Woodhenge""Woodhenge"

A large circle of immense wooden uprights A large circle of immense wooden uprights Called a "woodhenge" because of: Its general form, Its Called a "woodhenge" because of: Its general form, Its monumentality, Like Stonehenge as a sort of monumentality, Like Stonehenge as a sort of "observatory" "observatory" Possible functions of "Woodhenge“: Possible functions of "Woodhenge“: – Observatory (?): May have functioned like Stonehenge as a Observatory (?): May have functioned like Stonehenge as a

sort of "observatory" sort of "observatory" – For astral and horizon alignment observations. For astral and horizon alignment observations. – Sun Dance "Temple" (?) Sun Dance "Temple" (?)

i.e.The Sun Dance is one of the single most important rituals i.e.The Sun Dance is one of the single most important rituals found among present-day peoples of the Great Plains—in found among present-day peoples of the Great Plains—in particular among the Lakota/Dakota people and The Sun Dance particular among the Lakota/Dakota people and The Sun Dance place is characterized by having a circle of large uprights from place is characterized by having a circle of large uprights from which those who pledge will suspend themselveswhich those who pledge will suspend themselves

WoodhengeWoodhenge

Burial & Status: Cahokia Mound 72Burial & Status: Cahokia Mound 72The wood dates to approximately 1000 A.D.   272 burials were discovered in mound 72.

Burials without litters Burials with litters

Mound 72Mound 72

Headless Burials Female Burial Pit (53 between 15 and 30)

Monk’s MoundMonk’s Mound

Largest monument at Cahokia is the famous Monk's Largest monument at Cahokia is the famous Monk's Mound Mound Monk's Mound: Monk's Mound: – About 100 feet high About 100 feet high – Covers sixteen acres (3 acres more than the great pyramid Covers sixteen acres (3 acres more than the great pyramid

at Giza!) (6.4 hectares) at Giza!) (6.4 hectares) – 316 by 241 meters(76156 square meters) rising over 30 316 by 241 meters(76156 square meters) rising over 30

meters high meters high – Contains over 600,000 cubic meters of earth Contains over 600,000 cubic meters of earth – Constructed in stages Constructed in stages – This constitutes one of the largest examples of prehistoric This constitutes one of the largest examples of prehistoric

construction in the entire Western Hemisphere! construction in the entire Western Hemisphere!

Monk’s MoundMonk’s Mound

Another ViewAnother View

The Mississippian and The Mississippian and Mesoamerican Connection: Mesoamerican Connection:

Someday we’ll find it!Someday we’ll find it!

Lots of similarities:Lots of similarities:– Corn agriculture, “flying serpents”, plazas in city centers, Corn agriculture, “flying serpents”, plazas in city centers,

etc.etc.

A Middle Mississippian figurine head was found in A Middle Mississippian figurine head was found in the the cenotecenote at the Classic Maya site of Dzibilchaltún at the Classic Maya site of Dzibilchaltún in Yucatán thus indicating some kind of contact—in Yucatán thus indicating some kind of contact—direct, or "down the line." direct, or "down the line." Given that Mesoamerican peoples were apparently Given that Mesoamerican peoples were apparently aware and interested in the American Southwest (for aware and interested in the American Southwest (for turquoise), it would appear likely that others may turquoise), it would appear likely that others may have been prospecting the Southeast for things of have been prospecting the Southeast for things of value. value.

Mississippian CollapseMississippian Collapse

Most Mississippian centers abandoned by Most Mississippian centers abandoned by 1500s, before contact with Europeans1500s, before contact with Europeans– Reasons largely unknown.Reasons largely unknown.

Natchez and Coosa still around until Natchez and Coosa still around until decimated by European disease.decimated by European disease.

SourcesSources

http://www.crt.state.la.us/crt/parks/marksvilhttp://www.crt.state.la.us/crt/parks/marksvil/marksvle.htm/marksvle.htm

http://www.picturesofrecord.com/Mississiphttp://www.picturesofrecord.com/Mississippian%20Culture%20thumbnail.htmpian%20Culture%20thumbnail.htm

http://users.stlcc.edu/mfuller/cahokia.htmlhttp://users.stlcc.edu/mfuller/cahokia.html