Includes bibliographical references (pages 249-266) and index.
Summary:
More mounds were built by ancient Native Americans in Wisconsin than in any other region in North America- between 15,000 and 20,000, at least 4,000 of which remain today. Most impressive are the effigy mounds, huge earthworks sculpted in the shapes of thunderbirds, water panthers, and other forms, not found amywhere else in the world in such concentrations. This second edition is updated throughout, incorporating exciting new research and satellite imagery. Citing evidence form past excavations, ethnography, the traditions of present-day Native Americand in the Midwest, technologically advanced ground penetrating radar and LiDAR imaging, and recent archaeological findings, authors Robert A. Birmingham and Amy L. Rosebrough argue that effigy mound groups are cosmological maps that model belief systems and relations with the spirit world. Included is an expanded list of public parks and preserves where mounds can be respectfully viewed, such as the outstanding Kingsley Bend mounds near Wisconsin Dells maintained by the Ho-Chunk Nation or Man Mound Park near Baraboo, the only extant human-shaped effigy mound in the world.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.