Symbols of Effigy Mounds

Geertz's definition of religion states that religion is "A system of symbols which acts to establish powerful, pervasive, and long-lasting moods and motivations in men by formulating conceptions of a general order of existence and clothing these conceptions with such an aura of factuality that the moods and motivations seem uniquely realistic."

To connect this definition to the effigy mounds made by Native Americans, it is obviously necessary to look at symbols in the mounds that connect to their spiritual beliefs/reality. I'll begin by covering the symbols used in the effigy mounds. Native Americans believed that there were three main elements of the earth: the upperworld (sky), middleworld (earth), and underworld (water). These elements manifested into mound shapes. The upperworld was represented by birds (often thunderbirds) and sometimes human-birds (representing shaman priests). The middleworld animals include bears, deer, elk, and lizards. Underworld animals include water panthers and fish. These three elements were symbols of harmony, and therefore, where there was one element in a mound group, there was its complementary element.

The symbolic power of the three elements manifest into the social order of some Native American tribes, for example, the Ho-Chunk. They divide themselves into either the upperworld or lowerworld. Each division is comprised of clans, represented by a respective animal (i.e. the thunderbird clan of the upperworld). The members of each division were encourage to stay within their group and intermarry. It is evident that religious beliefs can influence social structure.

Another aspect of the effigy mounds is the ideology behind the burials. Native American tribes were very much in touch with the earth, seeking a balance between it and themselves. Because of this, they saw burial as a way to replenish and renew the earth. As a result, they often structured water effigies near springs, which were symbols of re-birth and renewal. Another reason for the placement near springs is because they symbolize the spirit's entrance to the underworld. Everything about the order of the effigy mounds is symbolic. Water animal effigies are place closer to water than others. Upperworld bird effigies are often placed on cliffs, or generally elevated areas. There is a pretty logical reason for most of the effigy placement.

The fact that the mounds are also gathering places is appropriate. Not only do the mounds illustrate the Native Americans' belief systems, they serve as a way to bring people together, in life and in death.

I think that the effigy mounds are amazing. I'll be able to appreciate them so much more when I go home (I live in Madison).

Picture above is a bird effigy in Washington, WI (http://www.co.washington.wi.us/images/PAR_BirdEffigy.jpg)