Effigy Mounds

The effigy mounds of the Late Woodland period were constructed primarily in the shape of animals. Many were fashioned after birds, but there were other forms of animals such as bears and beavers, even humans. Just like the paintings on the walls of the Lascaux Cave, the true meaning of these mounds is not certain, however there are many educated explanations. In the case of the effigy mounds, much of their purpose (burial, some sort of spiritual representation) is understood.

R. Clark Mallam concluded that the mounds represented a harmony with nature, because they were often located in areas full of natural resources. This could be why the mounds are shaped like animals, to further the connection to nature. This is similar to the cave paintings which showed a connection the people had with nature. The effigy mounds are different from the cave paintings though, because the effigy mounds are supposed to represent spirits related to the earth, air, or water, while the cave paintings i feel, are simply the animals, not spiritual representations.

I can see a parallel with the effigy mounds and names of sports teams. the mounds were representations of spirits, entities the should be respected by humans. it is an image a sports team would want to have. Teams usually name themselves after animals that demand respect. However, the application of animals is very different. Naming a sports team, and shaping a burial mound are very different parts of culture.

If i was to apply the definition of religion given by Geertz, I could see these mounds as symbols of that may have changed the moods and motivations of men. it seems plausible that they are dipictions of gods.  Although the mounds are man made, it gives these men who made them hard evidence of a higher power(s) whenever they see these mounds in the landscape in such the way a church may be called God's house, although it was built by man.