Added December 26, 1997. Updated November 28, 2000.

---

Mounds, Monuments, and the Politics of Power: Dimensions of Effigy Mound Function.

The Effigy Mound tradition thrived in the US Upper Midwest between approximately 300 and 1300 AD. During this time an estimated 10,000+ mounds were constructed, some to contain burials, others to contain dedicatory hearths and symbolic offerings, and still others to contain, apparently, nothing at all. Their communicative and symbolic aspects of the construction and display are discussed in the context of emerging salient identities and socio-political groups. The production of effigy mounds served multiple purposes, at least some of which are closely related to public displays of generosity and prestige which were made to establish both social identities and social-political clout.

Click here to read the article.

John P. Staeck

Assistant Professor of Anthropology
Liberal Arts-Social and Behavioral Sciences-Anthropology
IC 2071b
College of DuPage
425 22nd Street
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137-6599USA

Tel.: 630 942-2022
staeck@cdnet.cod.edu

John Staeck's Academic Page at the College of DuPage

John Staeck's Personal Web Page

Please send comments or questions to Max Baldia.