Spirits of Earth : The Effigy Mound Landscape of Madison and the Four Lakes / Robert A. Birmingham.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Birmingham, Robert A., author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Earthworks (Archaeology).

Indians of North America--Antiquities.

Indians of North America.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (280 pages) : illustrations

Place of Publication:

Chicago, Illinois : University of Wisconsin Press, 2009.

Summary:

Annotation Between A.D. 700 and 1100 Native Americans built more effigy mounds in Wisconsin than anywhere else in North America, with an estimated 1,300 moundsincluding the worlds largest known bird effigyat the center of effigy-building culture in and around Madison, Wisconsin. These huge earthworks, sculpted in the shape of birds, mammals, and other figures, have aroused curiosity for generations and together comprise a vast effigy mound ceremonial landscape. Farming and industrialization destroyed most of these mounds, leaving the mysteries of who built them and why they were made. The remaining mounds are protected today and many can be visited. explores the cultural, historical, and ceremonial meanings of the mounds in an informative, abundantly illustrated book and guide.

Notes:

Description based on publisher supplied metadata and other sources.