Often overlooked, the Spiro Mounds in the Midwestern U.S. are among the greatest sources of Mississippian Native American artifacts ever discovered
, is the largest presentation on the Spiro Mounds ever undertaken by any museum.
“There is copper from Lake Superior, engraved shell cups from the Florida Keys, beads from the Sea of Cortez, items from the Valley of Mexico, and those are just a few of the items,” continues Singleton. “They invited people from around the known world to bring their holy objects to Spiro to be ritualistically acted upon.”Please be respectful of copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited.
The Craig Mound—the second-largest one and the only burial mound at Spiro—housed the remains of important leaders along with clothing, fur, baskets, and other items to help ease their transition to the afterworld, says Peterson. In 1936, after mass looting destroyed almost one-third of the Spiro Mounds, scientific excavation began, uncovering more than six hundred complete or partial burials and thousands of artifacts. Today, the 12 remaining mounds serve as an archaeological site where visitors can learn more about this once powerful Native American society.Legislation protected Spiro in 1935, and a government-sponsored archaeological excavation commenced. Today, more than 65 public facilities in the U.S.
Balancing the need for respect and repatriation and the demand for education and display is an ongoing struggle for both museums and tribes. The“For decades upon decades upon decades, archeologists would find these sites, go dig them up and find all the things that were there,” Kelli Mosteller, director at
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
rick owens on his runway dick tricksRick Owens: 'You know I love a simply tiny, little gesture that packs the wallop.'
Read more »
Judy Greer Answers All Our Questions About Jawbreaker.missjudygreer breaks down 'Jawbreaker' and talks about the notes people still pass her all these years later
Read more »
Column: NCAA Scene & Heard: There were plenty of good seats available at Viejas ArenaFree admission for practice — and big-screen view of Aztecs game — fails to draw a crowd
Read more »
Disney 'regrets' performance by visiting school drill teamOfficials at Walt Disney World say a performance by a visiting Texas high school drill team that used American Indian stereotypes, including chants of “scalp them,” doesn’t reflect the resort’s values.
Read more »