Envisioning Cahokia : a landscape perspective / Rinita A. Dalan ... [and others]

Format:

Book

Contributor:

Dalan, Rinita A.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Human ecology.

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Park (Ill.).

Mississippian culture.

Human ecology--Illinois--Cahokia Mounds State Historic Park.

Illinois--Cahokia Mounds State Historic Park.

Physical Description:

x, 241 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm

Place of Publication:

DeKalb, Ill. : Northern Illinois University Press, [2003]

Summary:

The massive earthen mounds of ancient Cahokia in southwestern Illinois form the largest and most complex archaeological site in the United States. Here, at the center of a vibrant Native American culture, a settlement of Mississippian Indians grew, prospered, and declined. Tracing perceptions of the Cahokian landscape from the times of Indians and explorers to the present, Envisioning Cahokia details the archaeology of North America's largest prehistoric urban center. Illustrated with a variety of images, this unique book provides new insights into Cahokian lifeways, land use, and culture through a landscape approach that explores the interrelationship of environment and society. Using the latest data from remote sensing and archaeological field studies, the authors examine such structures as the immense Grand Plaza and the impressive mounds used for both community ceremonies and burials. These mounds and other features of Cahokia form a political and social map, revealing a rich and elaborate culture. The authors show how settlement and ceremonial patterns defined power structures and belief systems, and suggest ways Cahokians may have perceived their place in the physical and spiritual worlds. Tracing the history of the Cahokians and their landscape, Envisioning Cahokia leads readers to a new awareness of a culture that will forever inspire wonder and respect.

Contents:

Part I Landscape and Culture

1 The Landscape Concept 19

2 A Landscape Approach 41

Part II Cahokian Landscapes

3 The Cahokia Landscape 59

4 Settling Cahokia 69

5 Landscape Structure 89

6 Landscape Change 107

Part III Landscape and Meaning

7 Cahokians in the Landscape 125

8 Building Cahokia 134

9 Landscape Elements 151

10 Landscape Symbolism 167

11 Abandonment 189.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages [211]-236) and index.

ISBN:

0875803024

0875805949

OCLC:

51813303