Ohio History Journal

(422)

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EXPLORATION OF THE MOUND CITY GROUP

 

 

 

BY WILLIAM C. MILLS

 

INTRODUCTORY NOTE

Probably no other American prehistoric earthwork

has excited so great a degree of historic interest as the

so-called Mound City group of Ross County, Ohio.

Certainly, from the prehistoric viewpoint, it stands un-

surpassed.

Through the partial examination of the group, in

1846, by Squier and Davis, and the publication of the

report in Ancient Monuments of the Mississippi Val-

ley, archaeological circles throughout the world have

been made acquainted with their remarkable finds and

conclusions.  So striking, indeed, were these results

and so wide-spread the circulation of the report, pub-

lished by the Smithsonian Institution, that Ancient

Monuments became, and has remained to many per-

sons, a classic contribution to knowledge of the great

mound-building cultures of prehistoric American peo-

ples. For many years the Mound City group and its

contents continued to be considered as the ne plus ultra

of Mound-builder achievement, and while subsequent

explorers looked upon Squier and Davis' accomplish-

ment as something to be striven for, there was in many

quarters a feeling that the Mound City "finds" would

never be equalled, much less surpassed.  This senti-

ment was voiced by no less a personage than the late

Professor Frederick W. Putnam, dean of American

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424     Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications

archaeologists when, in a conversation regarding archae-

ological exploration in Ohio, he declared to the writer

that, in his opinion, the Mound City finds would con-

tinue to stand as unique. A few years later, at the

very time when this Society's survey was removing

from the Tremper mound, in Scioto County, a collection

of specimens which not only duplicated the finest arti-

facts taken from the Mound City group, but actually

excelled them both as to quality and numbers, work was

brought to a halt momentarily by the arrival of a tele-

gram. This telegram brought the sad news of Profes-

sor Putnam's death.  That he did not live to learn of

the Tremper find which, even in his great optimism, he

was unable to foresee, will always remain a matter of

regret to the writer. The possibilities of archaeological

research in Ohio had been under-estimated.

The rich finds of the Tremper mound naturally were

most gratifying, particularly as the Mound City speci-

mens had been taken out of this country, their loss to be

felt keenly by a later and more appreciative public. But

the exploration of the Tremper mound furnished some-

thing more than replacement of the loss of the finest

examples of Mound-builders' art discovered up to that

time. It furnished ideas and information which, added

to the knowledge already accumulated through earlier

recent exploration, could be brought intelligibly and

logically to bear upon the deductions and conclusions

of Squier and Davis with regard to the Mound City

earthworks.  The Tremper mound, as judged by its

exploration, and comparison with Squier and Davis'

report, was analogous in all its important aspects with

the great Ross County group, and it was felt that a

complete examination of the latter would furnish evi-

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Exploration of the Mound City Group  425

dence justifying the same or similar explanation as to

its construction, purposes and usage.

Squier and Davis, it must be remembered, worked

as pioneers. There were available to them no data on

which to base an interpretation of evidences appearing

to them in the Ross County group. It was but natural,

perhaps, that some of these interpretations should be

subjected to question after prolonged explorations had

furnished firmer bases of fact.  The more important

of these conclusions were their conviction that the

builders of the Mound City group practiced human

sacrifice; that, from this practice, they should be in

some way rather directly related to the dominant cul-

tures in Mexico and Central America; that certain

basin-like receptacles constructed upon the floors of the

mounds were the "altars" on which human sacrifices

were made; and various minor impressions, such as

their belief that the so-called stratified mounds were

not used as places of burial.

Although Squier and Davis explicitly state in their

report that their explorations comprised all of the 24

or more mounds of the Mound City group; and al-

though the work of constructing the great military en-

campment at Camp Sherman, where the group is

located, had obliterated all trace of at least one-half of

this original number of mounds, our survey, in the

spring of 1920, undertook the final and complete exami-

nation of what remained, feeling that even this remnant

still represented one of the more important of Ohio's

prehistoric earthworks, not alone of interest as a monu-

ment of our pre-Columbian predecessors, but as of his-

toric import as well.  The results of this examination

are set forth in the pages which follow.

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426      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publicatians

The writer is deeply indebted to the War Depart-

ment for permission to carry on the explorations within

Camp Sherman, and particularly to General S. D.

Sturgis and the various officers stationed at Camp Sher-

man for helpful cooperation and personal interest in

the work; to many citizens of Ross County and Chilli-

cothe, especially Mr. Albert C. Spetnagel, Mr. Charles

M. Haynes and Mr. Frank Grubb, for personal interest

and assistance at all times.  To my staff of explorers

and engineers, particularly to Mr. H. C. Shetrone, I am

under many obligations for their untiring efforts

throughout the two seasons devoted to the examination

of the group.

 

THE MOUND CITY GROUP OF EARTHWORKS

SQUIER AND DAVIS' MAP AND DESCRIPTION

The map of the Mound City group, from the survey

of Squier and Davis at the time of the explorations

therein, is here reproduced, as Fig. 1.

Their summary description of the group, from

"Ancient Monuments of the Missisisppi Valley"

(Smithsonian Institution, 1848) is as follows:

"Situated on the left bank of the Scioto River, four miles

north of the town of Chillicothe. The enclosure, designated

from the great number of mounds within its walls, 'Mound

City,' is in many respects the most remarkable in the Scioto

Valley. Through the generous kindness of Henry Shriver, Esq.,

upon whose estate it is situated, the mounds were all permitted

to be investigated; and the work will, in consequence, be often

referred to in the course of this volume, particularly when we

come to speak of 'mounds.'

"In outline it is nearly square, with rounded angles, and

consists of a simple embankment, between three and four feet

high, unaccompanied by a ditch. Its site is the beautiful level of

the second terrace, and it is still covered with the primitive

forest.

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Exploration of the Mound City Group        427 "The first and most striking feature in connection with this work is the unusual number of mounds which it contains. There are no less than twenty-four within its walls. All of these, as above observed, have been excavated, and the principal ones found to contain altars and other remains, which put it beyond question that they were places of sacrifice, or of superstitious origin.

"These mounds seem placed generally without design in respect to each other, although there is a manifest dependence between those composing the central group, and between those numbered 4 and 5 and 12 and 13. From the principal mound numbered 7 in the plan, after the fall of the leaves, a full view of every part of the work and of its enclosed mounds is com- manded. This mound is seventeen feet high with a broad base nearly one hundred feet in diameter. The long mound, No. 3, is one hundred and forty feet long by eighty wide at the base, and ten feet in average height. Broad and deep pits, from which the earth for the construction of the mounds was taken, sur- round the work."

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RECENT ASPECT OF THE GROUP

At the time of the final exploration of Mound City,

described in this report, the entire site was occupied by

the United States army cantonment, Camp Sherman.

Incident to the construction of this great camp, the

grading of streets and drilling-grounds and the erection

of barracks and other buildings resulted in unavoidable

disturbance of the group.  In a number of instances

mounds were completely removed, the earth composing

them being used for grading and filling, and any speci-

mens they may have contained were thus lost or scat-

tered among workmen.   Others of the mounds fared

less disastrously, being disturbed in part only, while

one, at least- the great central mound of the group -

suffered no damage whatever.

Of the total of 24 mounds recorded by Squier and

Davis, in the above description, only 12 - one-half the

original number- could be located or identified by the

present survey.  Several of the smaller of these, it is

known, had completely disappeared under many years

of cultivation of the land, while the remainder had

been obliterated in the construction of the cantonment.

What these mounds may have contained in the way of

material evidence of their builders will never be known,

and the only record of their existence is that of Squier

and Davis.  Mounds of which no trace remained are

those numbered on their map as follows:  1, 4, 5, 6, 10,

11, 14, 16, 19, 20, 21 and 22.

The condition of the mounds remaining for final

exploration was as follows:  Mound number 2, prac-

tically one-half entirely obliterated, the remaining por-

tion being graded off to within 6 inches of its base;

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Exploration of the Mound City Group  429

mound number 3, the elongate mound of the central

unit, disturbed by extensive ramifications of camp

plumbing system; mound number 7, intact, its removal

having been forestalled by special intervention of the

camp commander, at the solicitation of the Museum

authorities; mound number 8, one-third graded off, to

within a few inches of the base; mounds numbers 9 and

12, much disturbed by trenching for plumbing system;

mound number 13, a part of one side graded off, dis-

turbing the most important burial thereof; mounds

numbers 15 and 17, very small structures, more or less

disturbed by grading; mound number 18, about one-

half graded down, but a considerable depth of soil left

above the base; mound number 21, very low, slightly

disturbed; and mound number 23, fully two-thirds re-

moved, with no trace of floor remaining.

The mounds of the group which remained available

for exploration were examined, not according to the

numbers given them by Squier and Davis, but in tbe

order suggested by convenience and conditions existing

in the camp. Naturally, those mounds which had been

partly demolished, particularly those having but a few

inches of earth above their floors and thus more likely

to be disturbed by curious persons, were examined with-

out delay.  Several others, which in part or entirely

lay beneath barracks buildings, were left until, late in

the autumn of 1921, the structures interfering with

their examination were razed. It is interesting to note

that in several mounds, notably numbers 8 and 13,

where portions of the bases had been almost or quite

exposed by grading, numerous specimens lay exposed

to view, and although many persons constantly passed

these sites, the objects escaped notice.

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430      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications EXAMINATION OF MOUND NUMBER 8 The incentive for beginning the present exploration of the Mound City group with mound number 8 was two-fold.  In the first place, as noted above, a portion of the mound had been removed to within a few inches of the base, leaving at least one burial partly exposed and various artifacts within reach of the curious. Sec- ondly, it was from this mound that Squier and Davis secured their noteworthy find of effigy pipes, upwards of 200 in number, and in connection with which they arrived at certain conclusions at seeming variance with later and more complete evidence in the same direction. The report of Squier and Davis on mound number 8 follows: "Fig. 37 (reproduced in Fig. 2) is a section of mound No. 8 in 'Mound City.' In the number and value of its relics, this mound far exceeds any hitherto explored. It is small in size, and in its structure exhibits nothing remarkable. It had but one sand stratum, the edges of which rested on the outer slopes of the altar, as shown in the section (Fig. 2). Between this

stratum and the deposit in the basin occurred a layer a few inches thick, of burned loam. The altar itself, Fig. 38 (repro- duced as Fig. 3) was somewhat singular, though quite regular in shape. In length it was six feet two inches, in width four feet. At the point indicated in the section was a depression of perhaps six inches below the general level of the basin."

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Exploration of the Mound City Group        431 "The deposit (a) in this altar was large. Intermixed with much ashes, were found not far from two hundred pipes, carved in stone, many pearl and shell beads, numerous discs, tubes, etc., of copper, and a number of other ornaments of copper, covered with silver, etc., etc. The pipes were much broken up,--some of them calcined by the heat, which had been sufficiently strong to melt copper, masses of which were found fused together in the center of the basin. A large number have nevertheless been restored, at the expense of much labor and no small amount of patience. They are mostly composed of a red porphyritic stone, somewhat resembling the pipe stone of the Coteau des Prairies, excepting that it is of great hardness and interspersed with small variously colored granules.  The fragments of this material which had been most exposed to the heat were changed to a brilliant black color, resembling Egyptian marble. Nearly all the articles carved in limestone, of which there had been a num- ber, were calcined.

"The bowls of most of the pipes are carved in miniature figures of animals, birds, rep- tiles, etc. All of them are ex- ecuted with strict fidelity to nature, and with exquisite skill. Not only are the features of the various objects repre- sented  faithfully, but  their peculiarities and habits are in some degree exhibited.    The otter is shown in a character- istic attitude, holding a fish in his mouth; the heron also holds a fish; and the hawk grasps a

small bird in its talons, which it tears with its beak. The panther, the bear, the wolf, the beaver, the otter, the squirrel, the raccoon, the hawk, the heron, crow, swallow, buzzard, paroquet, toucan, and other indigenous and southern birds, - the turtle, the frog, toad, rattlesnake, etc., are recognized at first glance. But the most interesting and valuable in the list, are a number of sculp- tured human heads, no doubt faithfully representing the pre- dominant physical features of the ancient people by whom they were made. We have this assurance in the minute accuracy of the other sculptures of the same date." The great importance of mound number 8 will be evident to all who read the above report, as will also

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432     Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications

the intense interest with which our later survey pro-

ceeded once more to uncover its mystic interior.  The

sentiment of members of the survey was that of tread-

ing upon hallowed ground; for here was a spot not

only of widely known pre-historic importance, but, as a

result of the activities of two noted pioneer explorers,

of marked historic importance as well. It was, indeed,

with feelings befitting the occasion that the present

survey presumed to lay bare the stage where, more than

three-quarters of a century ago, Squier and Davis' ex-

plorations revealed to the archaeological world what has

continued perhaps to be the most widely known tumulus

of the great mound-building cultures of the Ohio valley.

While certain details of Squier and Davis' conclu-

sions regarding mound number 8, its purposes and

usages, seemed somewhat at variance with the cumula-

tive evidence for the culture group as a whole, there

was no predisposition to doubt the correctness of their

observations, or rather the honesty of their deductions.

At the time of their examination of the group, there

were available almost no data on which they might base

conclusions.  It was felt, furthermore, that since their

explorations of the several mounds of the Mound City

group were but partial, as a rule simply covering the

immediate centers of the mounds, that additional in-

formation was to be had through exhaustive examina-

tion.  This information naturally would supplement,

and might either confirm or modify, their original find-

ings. Furthermore, it was hoped that the great central

basin and its immediate surroundings would be found

intact, and that, less its content of artifacts, of course,

the present survey might see and examine it just as did

its original explorers.

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Exploration of the Mound City Group   433

 

 

BURIALS IN MOUND NUMBER 8

Burial number 1, of this mound, lay to the north-

west of its center, in that part of the tumulus which

had been graded off incidental to camp construction.

The grading process had left but an inch or two of

earth covering the burial, and subsequent rains had

exposed its contents plainly to view.  The grave, a

slight depression upon the floor, contained the cremated

bones of one individual, with which were 16 copper arti-

facts, consisting of breast-plates, ear-ornaments and

pendants.   These specimens were hammered and

doubled together with the idea of destroying their in-

trinsic value - a proceeding customary where objects

were placed in open graves, the idea being to preclude

the possibility of their being stolen by derelict members

of the tribe for personal use. This "killing" ceremony

seems to have been widespread, and aside from the

practical purpose served, may have carried with it some-

thing of the idea contained in the cremation ritual-

the release of the spiritual essence of the object.  In

the instance of incombustible artifacts, the breaking

or mutilating of the object may have served as did

cremation with those which were combustible.  That

this procedure was anything more than a common sense

precaution, however, is not indicated definitely, for in

the more pretentious burials of the mounds of this

group, where the cremated remains immediately were

covered by a primary protecting mound, artifacts as

a rule were deposited entire.  The only definite infer-

ence to be drawn is that broken and mutilated artifacts

placed with the dead served equally well the purpose of

perfect specimens.

Vol. XXXI-28.

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434     Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications

Burial number 2 lay to the southwest of center,

occupying a basin-like depression in the floor, one foot

deep.  With the cremated remains were found three

imitation eagle claws, made of copper; a long slender

awl of copper; several large shell disks, perforated;

many small shell disks; beads of shell and pearl; about

100 perforated canine teeth of the elk; several imitation

elk teeth; perforated bear canines; and imitation

canines of the bear and the mountain lion.

Grave number 3 was similar in construction to

number 2.   It contained the cremated remains of one

individual, with which were placed several flake knives

and the flint core from which they were chipped; two

slate gorgets, one perforated; fragments of pottery-

ware; a number of perforated elk canines; five copper

beads; and a necklace of claw-bones of the bear and the

gray wolf.

Burials 5, 7 and 8 all lay toward the south side of

the mound, were deposited upon the floor without

special preparation, and contained no artifacts.

Burial number 6 was placed directly north of the

center of the mound, in a small basin-like receptacle

on the floor. With the cremated remains was a copper

plate, 6 inches long and 31/2 inches wide. This plate was

extremely thin and fragile, and was removed in frag-

ments.

THE CENTRAL DEPOSIT

Attention is directed to Fig. 4, in which is shown

a plan of the floor of mound number 8.  Besides the

burials above enumerated, and the post-molds outlining

the circumference of the pre-structure of the site, there

will be noted the great central basin from which Squier

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Exploration of the Mound City Group    435 and Davis report taking their remarkable find of effigy pipes and other artifacts.  Contiguous to this basin there will be noted two skeletons, constituting uncre-

mated intrusive burials, to be commented upon later in this report. The dotted line surrounding the main basin shows the extent of Squier and Davis' excavation in this mound - an area approximately 8 feet square.  The

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436     Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications

dimensions of the basin as given by Squier and Davis

were found to be essentially correct, although their out-

line drawing showing its form (Fig. 3) is somewhat

misleading.  Instead of being a peculiarly exact geo-

metric figure, the basin was found to be of the usual

rectangular pattern in which the angles of the corners

at its east end, instead of being sharply defined, were

smoothed and rounded depressions.

In two respects the report of Squier and Davis

regarding the deposit in this mound is misleading. The

reader gets the impression, first, that the entire deposit

of pipes, copper and other objects and ashes, represent-

ing presumably a sacrifice, was found within the basin

proper, or, as they term it, the altar; second, that this

great deposit had been burned in place, where found,

the heat having been sufficiently strong to melt copper,

"masses of which were found fused together in the

center of the basin."

As to the first of these suggestions, it will be noted

by reference to the floor plan of the mound, Fig. 4, and

to the photograph of the basin, Fig. 5, that the present

survey found, at the southwest corner of the "altar",

and entirely outside of it, a distinct receptacle or de-

pository, not mentioned by Squier and Davis.  This

depository was in the form of an upright mold, rounded

horizontally, and extending vertically from the floor of

the mound to the height of 20 inches.  The diameter

of this mold at the bottom was 18 inches, with a gradual

lessening toward its top.  In a word, this mold was

exactly that which would result from a filled bag being

set upright on the floor and covered over with earth, the

bag and contents later being removed and the arched

earth retaining its form and imprint.

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438      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications

It will be noted that the dotted line of the floor plan

shows that Squier and Davis' excavation intersected

this mold, disclosing its contents and permitting their

removal, but left intact, in the body of the mound, the

greater part of the opening.   However, sufficient of

the original contents remained to show their character.

More than 50 fragments of pipes, many beads of pearl

and shell and a number of crystals of galena were taken

from the bottom and around the edges of this mold,

none of which showed contact with fire.    However,

associated with these objects were several fragments of

a mineral, resembling copper, which unmistakably had

been fused.   Tests, however, showed this mineral to

be a copper arsenide, probably whitneyite,* a product

of the Michigan copper region.  The same mineral, in

large pieces, was found in mound number 13, where it

was associated with galena.

In view of the fact that the rectangular basins,

termed by Squier and Davis "altars", but now generally

recognized as crematories, were seldom used as de-

positories of burials or artifacts; and since such de-

posits often were made alongside and quite near to the

basins, as in the Tremper mound, and in mounds 13

and 7 of the Mound City group, the evidence for mound

number 8 is that the great find of pipes and doubtless

many others of the accompanying specimens were taken

from this supplemental depository, and not from the

central basin.

*Samples of the fused metal from the deposit were submitted to

Professor William J. McGaughey of the department of mineralogy, Ohio

State University, for identification.  They were found to be whitneyite or

closely allied copper arsenide mineral.

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Exploration of the Mound City Group  439

 

 

THE SO-CALLED ALTAR

Consideration of the basin itself strengthens this

idea, and brings us to the second supposition of Squier

and Davis - namely, that an extensive cremation had

beer effected on the "altar", the heat from which was

so intense as to fuse the accompanying artifacts of cop-

per. In the "altar", or crematory, as in the case of the

supplementary depository, it was fortunate that no

mutilation had resulted from former examination.  As

with other mounds of the group, the excavation had

been immediately filled, in accordance with require-

ments of the owner of the land, thus enabling our sur-

vey to view in a very satisfactory manner those por-

tions of the floor uncovered by the early explorers.

The crematory basin was found to be devoid of con-

tents, with the exception of a few charred human bones

and a fragment of a copper object, closely attached to

the floor of the basin through corrosion, the original

mass of ashes and artifacts having been removed, of

course, upon first examination.  However, a glance at

the basin, once more exposed to view, was sufficient to

show that the supposedly intense sacrificial or crema-

torial fires of Squier and Davis never had occurred

therein.  As so often noted in the crematory basins of

other mounds of the group, this one had undergone

extensive repairs.  Continued use of these basins as

crematories, with alternate heat and moisture, resulted

in all instances in damage in the way of checking and

cracking.  In this particular basin, this cracking had

been very pronounced, the separation being as much as

one inch in width. These cracks, as well as portions of

the floor which had been altogether broken away, were

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440     Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications

neatly repaired by filling with puddled clay, bluish-drab

in color. The fresh clay used in these repairs was en-

tirely unburned, and showed no contact whatever with

fire. In view of this fact, it becomes clear that crema-

tion or burning of the deposit found in this basin had

occurred elsewhere, possibly in the adjoining mound,

number 9, which appears to have been supplemental to

number 8 in purpose.

 

 

ULTIMATE CONCLUSIONS

The evidence, then, as to mound number 8 and its

central deposit, as interpreted by this survey, is as fol-

lows:  After cremation elsewhere, probably in the ad-

jacent mound, number 9, the human remains were

brought to mound number 8, and, together with their

accompanying artifacts of copper and other objects,

were deposited within the basin formerly serving as a

crematory.  In close proximity to this basin and its

contents, were then deposited the pipes, beads, and so

forth, in their bag-like container, while over this offer-

ing and the basin alike was heaped the covering and

protecting mound of earth. The fact that the bag con-

tainer was not destroyed in the burning of the struc-

ture enclosing the site of the mound, but retained its

form and position when the earth was heaped over it,

indicates one of two things; either the structure was

burned prior to the placing of the deposit, or the fire

incident to the burning did not reach and consume it.

The finding of the copper arsenide, fused together

by heat, mingled with the unburned fragments of pipes,

beads and so forth in the supplemental depository,

shows unmistakably that the fusing and burning had

been accomplished prior to the depositing of the speci-

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Exploration of the Mound City Group   441

mens where found.     The copper arsenide mineral,

covered with the carbonate of copper, through prox-

imity and oxidation, might easily be mistaken for cop-

per; hence it is apparent that the fused copper reported

by Squier and Davis was in reality the copper arsenide

or whitneyite. The fact that a degree of heat in excess

of 2300 Fahrenheit is required to melt copper makes it

improbable that the open fire of the cremation ceremony

would result in fusing that metal, as Squier and Davis

believed had been done; while the copper arsenide, with

a melting point of approximately one-fourth that of

copper, would readily be affected by the degree of heat

generated in an ordinary open fire.

 

MOUND NUMBER 2

Formerly very large, mound number 2 had been

seriously disturbed by the construction of a thorough-

fare through Camp Sherman, the eastern one-half be-

ing entirely obliterated, and the remainder graded off

to within 6 inches of its base. This remaining portion

of floor gave evidence of the importance of the mound

as a whole, since it contained 18 burials and two crema-

tories. A large basin, or "altar", as they termed it, is

described by Squier and Davis, which, since its dimen-

sions do not correspond with either of those found by

the present examination, must have been located within

the eastern one-half of the mound.  Their description

is as follows:

 

"Fig. 31 (reproduced in Fig. 6) exhibits a section of mound

No. 2 in the plan of 'Mound City.' This mound is ninety feet in

diameter at the base by seven and a half feet high, being remark-

ably broad and flat. A shaft six feet square was sunk from the

apex with the following results:

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442      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications 1st. Occurred the usual layer of gravel and pebbles, one foot thick. 2nd. A layer of earth, three feet thick. 3rd. A thin stratum of sand. 4th. Another layer of earth two feet thick. 5th. Another stratum of sand, beneath which, and sepa- rated by a few inches of earth, was - 6th. The altar, Fig. 32, (reproduced in Fig. 7).

"This altar was a parallelo- gram of the utmost regularity, as shown in the plan and sec- tion. At its base, it measures ten feet in length by eight in width; at the top, six feet by four. Its height was eighteen inches, and the dip of the basin nine inches. Within the basin was a deposit of fine ashes, un- mixed with charcoal, three inches thick, much compacted by the weight of the superincumbent earth. Amongst the ashes were

some fragments of pottery, also a few shell and pearl beads. Enough of the pottery was recovered to restore a beautiful vase, for a drawing and description of which the reader is re- ferred to the paragraphs on Pottery. The second or lower sand stratum in this, as in several other instances, rested directly upon the outer sides of the altar." The crematories located in the section of floor re- maining for final examination were smaller in every way than those above described.

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Exploration of the Mound City Group  443

A plan of the remaining portion of the floor of

mound number 2 is shown as Fig. 8. From the scant

depth of undisturbed earth above this floor, from 4 to 6

inches, it will be apparent that any pretentious grave

of the platform type that may have existed thereon

would have shared the fate of those contained in the

portion entirely eradicated.

Examination of the floor remnant was begun on the

south side, where but 4 inches of earth remained. With

graves numbers 1, 2, 3 and 7, lying toward the south,

no artifacts were found, the burials consisting solely of

the usual charred bones placed upon the floor without

preparation.  Burial number 4 contained a necklace of

47 pearl beads, undamaged by fire and fairly well pre-

served. Burials 5 and 6 were similar to the first-named

and devoid of specimens.

Crematory number 1 lay about 10 feet to the north

of the burials numbered 5 and 6, and is shown as Fig.

9.  It measured 6 feet in length, 4 feet in width and

6 inches in depth. Ten fragments of pottery-ware and

a small quantity of charred human bones remained in

the basin from cremation.  This crematory was well

made from puddled clay, and although its surface was

much cracked it had never been mended.

Crematory number 2 (Fig. 8) was located about 4

feet directly north of basin number 1. It contained no

cremated remains, but a quantity of broken pottery-

ware taken from it proved to be, upon restoration, a

single vessel very similar in type and decoration to a

vessel taken from this same mound by Squier and Davis.

The vessel is described under the head of pottery.  It

will be noted that mound number 2 contained three

crematories - one found by Squier and Davis and two

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• 23
 

Exploration of the Mound City Group  445 by the final survey. This is not unusual, since mounds numbers 12 and 21 each were found to contain a similar number of such basins. As the examination was carried through to the northward, burials 8 to 15 were disclosed. All were placed simply upon the well-defined floor, without arti- facts. Burial number 16, placed about 25 feet directly north of crematory number 2, was of especial interest,

in that it contained a number of copper specimens. The cremated remains were placed upon two large plates of mica, laid flat upon the floor, and measuring 15 by 11 inches and 16 by 9 inches respectively, each 1/4 inch thick. These plates were cut into form and rounded at the ends.  Upon them, and associated with the charred human remains, were ten copper pendants, up- wards of 6 inches in length, ovate in form with two perforations at the larger ends for attachment; 22

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446     Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications

effigy teeth of the alligator, made of copper; 12 copper

button-shaped objects, filled with colored clay; 35 per-

forated canine teeth of the elk; 12 marine shells

(olivella) perforated for use as beads; 330 pearl and

shell beads, forming a large necklace.  Near the edge

of this burial was the point of a large obsidian spear,

vertically placed, the base of which had been broken

off and carried away by scrapers used in razing the

mound.

Burial number 17 lay some distance to the west of

number 16, and occupied a prepared grave made by

excavating a basin in the floor to a depth of 12 inches

and with a diameter of 18 inches.  With the burial

were placed a number of thin sheets of mica, several

barrel-shaped shell beads and a miniature platform pipe,

quite similar in form to the larger pipes found in other

mounds of the group.  This pipe, less than 11/2 inches

in length, is unusual in having the stem-hole drilled

partly in each end of the platform, toward the bowl.

Burial number 18 was found near the northern edge

of the mound, just within the line of post-holes marking

the outer circumference of the structure. It was placed

upon the floor and was accompanied by a few shell

beads.

The destruction of mound number 2 as a result

of grading operations for the camp is most regrettable,

since several fine graves are reported by the superin-

tendent in charge of the work at the time to have been

destroyed, and a number of unusual specimens appro-

priated by workmen and onlookers.

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Exploration of the Mound City Group  447

 

MOUND NUMBER 13

Squier and Davis make no mention of having ex-

amined mound number 13, aside from their general

statement that all the mounds of the group were ex-

plored by their survey. The present survey, however,

found no evidence of their work in this mound, so

readily discernible in others of the group in which they

had operated.  The work of examining this mound,

which was approximately 70 feet in diameter and 3

feet high, was greatly hampered by a large barracks

building, which covered all excepting its western mar-

gin. The clearance of the building above the top of

the mound was but 6 inches, thus affording a working

space of only 31/2 feet. The margin extending beyond

the building had been graded away to within a few

inches of the base line, while workmen, for reasons un-

ascertained, had cut away a portion of the mound ex-

tending from the outer edge of the building to a point

several feet eastward, or beneath the barracks, throw-

ing the earth outside. In so doing, while the removal

of earth had not reached to the base of the mound, a

grave or deposit of artifacts had been disturbed, ob-

jects from which were found scattered upon and

through the displaced earth just outside the building.

Among these objects were copper ear-ornaments, per-

forated and cut teeth, broken pipes, plates of mica and,

lying upon the crest of the mound at the top of the cut,

beneath the edge of the building, two large copper

breast-plates, where apparently they had been placed by

the workmen who uncovered them. The only further

disturbance of the mound was that incident to the set-

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448     Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications

ting of a large post, supporting the building, at a point

near the center of the tumulus.

Examination was begun outside the building where

the exposed margin had been partly graded down, and

where the earth from beneath the building had been

thrown.  By the use of a large screen, many additional

specimens, including ornaments, beads, broken pipes

and objects of copper, were secured from this disturbed

earth.

THE GREAT MICA GRAVE

As the work of excavation neared the edge of the

building, evidences of a grave became apparent.  This

proved to be a large and important depository, lined

with sheets of mica and containing four cremated

burials. The location of this depository will be noted

in the floor plan of the mound, shown in Fig. 10. The

dimensions of this peculiar receptacle, which was rec-

tangular in form, were 7 feet long and 61/2 feet wide,

measuring from center to center of the oval ridge form-

ing its sides and ends.  The entire surface of the de-

pository, as well as the ridges forming its circumfer-

ence, were covered with large sheets of mica, in size

from 6 by 6 inches to 16 by 14 inches. A photograph

of this multiple grave, or depository, with its splendor

of mica, is shown in Fig. 11. Two of the four burials

contained artifacts; with one was placed a copper head-

shield, 11 inches in length, made to fit the head helmet-

fashion, while another contained a circular mica object,

one foot in diameter, presumably used as a mirror.

The ridge forming the sides of this depository were

found to be made up of earth filled with carbonaceous

matter, and broken and perfect artifacts. Among these

• 27
 

Exploration of the Mound City Group   449 latter were more than 100 pieces of pipes; many pearl and shell beads; perforated animal canine teeth; large quantities of galena crystals, aggregating more than 25 pounds in weight; large pieces of whitneyite, weighing as much as three pounds each; perforated sharks' teeth;

awls of bone and of copper; and fragments of quartz and obsidian spear-points.  Among the fragments of pipes and other broken objects, were found parts repre- senting many entire objects and permitting of numerous gratifying restorations. Vol. XXXI-29.

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Exploration of the Mound City Group  451

This intentional mixing of artifacts with the soil

used in constructing the grave, or depository, is inter-

esting when compared with the proceeding employed in

connection with another grave, soon to be described, in

which the objects were broken and placed as a deposit

alongside the burial.

The method of covering this pretentious depository

with its four burials was most striking.  Inside a line

of posts, surrounding it, had been heaped a small pri-

mary mound of clay, 2 feet in height.  Over the top

and along the north side of this small mound had been

placed a layer of fine sand, and upon this, in turn, a

covering of plates of mica.  A similar sand covering

on the south side had slipped from above to its base,

where it lay accumulated in a ridge-like formation.

 

 

OTHER IMPORTANT GRAVES

Directly north of depository number 1, at a distance

of 8 feet, lay burial number 2. This was placed upon a

prepared grave, the incinerated remains in its center

and artifacts surrounding them.  These consisted of

two copper ear ornaments of the usual pattern; a large

flint spear-point broken into several pieces, and three

unusual and highly interesting copper plates, cut in the

form of double-headed eagles.

Burial number 3 lay directly east of number 2, and

occupied a raised platform extending about one inch

above the floor.  At its center were the cremated

remains and around them the following objects: a large

obsidian spear-point, 9 inches long and 4 inches broad;

another obsidian spear, over 6 inches in length; a flint

spear-point, 3 inches long; four copper ear ornaments of

the usual type; six copper cone-like beads; six copper

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452     Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications

tubular beads; five strips of copper, several inches in

length, turned upon itself to form an edge-binder for

fabric; a large copper head-dress made to represent a

bear, and a small amount of woven fabric, evidently a

part of the elaborate head-dress. The copper head-

dress, representing the bear, is a unique specimen, in

that the ears are ingeniously hinged to permit move-

ment, while the legs are attached to the body by means

of rivets.

Burial number 4, lying to the eastward, between

numbers 1 and 3, was placed upon a low platform ex-

tending about 1 inch above the floor. The incinerated

remains were placed at one end of this platform and

the accompanying artifacts at the other.  These com-

prised a large helmet-like head-dress of copper, to-

gether with three sets of imitation deer antlers of cop-

per; and two effigy human hands, of copper, four inches

in length.  The imitation antlers, doubtless a part of

the elaborate head-dress, were of three distinct kinds.

One set, 9 inches long, were plain and slightly curved,

without tines; a second set, about 6 inches in length, had

the characteristic curves of true antlers, and each was

supplied with three tines; while a third set, of about the

same size and curvature, had four tines.

 

 

AN UNUSUAL DEPOSIT

The location designated as number 5, on the floor

plan of mound number 13, was an unusual form of

deposit, apparently having some relation to burials 2

and 3. This deposit, consisting of a mass of dark

earth intermixed with much carbonaceous matter and

containing numerous artifacts, occupied a space about 5

feet long, 2 feet wide and 12 inches deep. Among the

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Exploration of the Mound City Group  453

objects taken from this deposit were perforated teeth

of the shark, pearl, shell and bone beads; effigy turtles

made of copper; small copper ornaments in the form of

crosses; a curved knife of obsidian, three inches in

length; large fragments of quartz and obsidian spears;

effigy bear teeth; perforated canine teeth of the elk; cut

shell ornaments; a large number of broken pipes, both

plain and effigy types, a number of which were restored;

and numerous fragments of pottery-ware, from which

a fine vessel was pieced together.

Just west of this deposit, and directly north of burial

number 2, was found an interesting cache of beads.

This cache is a striking example of the ingenuity and

perseverance of the inhabitants of the Mound City

group, comprising, as it did, more than 5,000 excep-

tionally well formed and finely finished specimens. The

beads are barrel-shaped, somewhat less than one-half

inch in length, and are made from columella of marine

shells. The material used, in many instances, was of

extreme hardness, almost enamel-like in character; and

in view of the difficulties it would present to primitive

methods of workmanship, the unusually large number

of beads, and the great care and exactness with which

they were fashioned, it is apparent that they represent

an exceptionally great amount of labor, skill and

patience.

Although embedded in a mass of yellow clay, the

beads comprising this deposit retained a freshness and

whiteness unusual in bone objects found in mound

burials, a condition which was not without its explana-

tion; for it was plainly to be seen that they had been

contained in a receptacle, probably a buckskin bag, the

mold of which was preserved in the covering of clay.

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454     Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications

A further feature of this deposit was that before being

placed where found, it had been subjected to the "kill-

ing" ceremony. This was effected by placing the bag

of beads upon a hard surface, and repeatedly striking

them with a stone hammer, the result being that the

greater part of the contents were crushed and broken.

The bag, with its contents was then deposited where

found.

THE CREMATORY

The crematory of mound number 13 was found di-

rectly east of burial number 4, [as shown on the map of

the floor plan].  It had not been disturbed, and was

devoid of ashes or cremated remains. The basin was

6 feet long, 4 feet and four inches wide, and 6 inches

deep at the center. The construction of this basin was

unusual, since, instead of the customary flat bottom, the

sloping side-walls and ends were carried inward and

downward until they converged, thus resulting in a V-

shaped cross-section.  The east end of the crematory

had been repaired with a light-colored clay, resembling

fire-clay, the basin showing no subsequent use for cre-

mation purposes. The west end of the basin was coated

with a red pigment, doubtless used incidental to crema-

tion ceremonies.

Burial number 6, with which were placed a few

beads, and burial number 7, were located directly south

of the crematory.  Burials 8 and 10 lay just south of

burials 6 and 7, were devoid of artifacts, and were

placed simply and without preparation on the floor.

Burial number 9 occupied a basin-like receptacle 18

inches in diameter and 4 inches deep.  Over the in-

cinerated bones and ashes had been placed a great quan-

tity of perishable belongings, evidenced by the remnants

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Exploration of the Mound City Group  455

and imprints of objects of wood, bark, woven fabric

and tanned skins, in the mass of dark organic matter

resulting from their decomposition.  This burial was

covered by a small mound of earth, over which a sand

layer, one-half inch in thickness had been deposited.

At this point in the examination of mound number

13, lying, as it did, beneath the barrack building, the

problem of disposing of the excavated earth became

acute.  A  further accumulation of l o o s e earth

threatened completely to cut off the scant supply of

light from the west, and the alternative of shifting

operations and entering the mound from the east side

of the building was adopted. The first grave uncovered

from this new approach lay east of center toward the

eastern margin of the mound, and is shown on the plan

as number 11. The burial occupied a low platform of

earth, one inch high, and with it were placed a flint

spear-point, badly broken, and a copper ornament, 4

inches in length, pierced for attachment, representing

the human torso. Burials 12, 13 and 14, placed with-

out preparation on the floor, were covered with dark

organic earth, apparently resulting from the decay of

cloth or skins.  With number 13 were found a few

beads and a small copper tube.

Burials 15 to 20, inclusive, were located north of

the center of the mound. All were simple cremations

placed upon the floor. With number 17 were found a

necklace of pearl beads and two copper button-like

objects, 1 inch in diameter and pierced for attachment

by two holes through the flat side. With number 18

were placed a necklace of small ocean shells, and a cop-

per button-shaped object, 11/4 inches in diameter, with

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456     Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications

one perforation through its longest diameter for attach-

ment.

LOCATION OF SHRINE

No burials were found in the northeast section of

the mound.   However, there occurred a number of

interior post-molds, about which were evidences of

clothing and perishable objects and materials, indicating

the possibility of this section having served as a sort

of shrine.  In the ceremony of burning the sacred en-

closure occupying the site of the mound, only such por-

tions of these perishable materials as might escape com-

plete combustion and those which were charred but not

entirely consumed, would remain for identification.

The line of post-molds representing the outer cir-

cumference of the sacred structure were worked out

and recorded, as shown on the floor plan, in Fig. 10,

with the exception of a small section at the southwest,

evidence of which had been destroyed in the construc-

tion of the camp; and that at the south which, owing to

the position of the building, was not available.

Mound number 13 was, aside from mound number

7, the most interesting tumulus of the group examined

by our survey and, with the exception of mound num-

ber 7, had suffered least from disturbance through con-

struction of the cantonment. Its principal burials and

crematory occupied the western part of the mound.

Burial number 1, containing the cremated remains of

four individuals, with its pretentious covering of mica,

its primary mound, and the peculiar deposit of artifacts

intermixed with the earth forming the sarcophagus,

was the most elaborate structure of the entire group.

The important burials adjacent to number 1 were of

almost equal interest, both as to their unusual character

• 35
 

Exploration of the Mound City Group  457

and the objects which they contained.  The fact that

in this mound the crematory occupied, not the center, as

is usual, but a space well to one side, is worthy of note.

 

MOUND NUMBER 12

In mound number 12 our survey had its first intima-

tion of what later was found to be true -namely, the

fact that certain tumuli of the Mound City group were

supplemental in purpose and usage; that is, not every

mound was a complete and independent unit of itself,

but several of the total number were auxiliary and con-

tributory to others of the group.

This was true particularly in the matter of crema-

tion since, after completing the examination of the en-

tire group, it was found that several of the mounds, or

rather the pre-structures which they represented, had

served almost exclusively as places for carrying out the

cremation ceremony.  In these instances the cremated

remains and associated artifacts were deposited, not

where incineration had taken place, but in adjacent

tumuli or sacred places.

Mound number 12 was preeminently of this supple-

mental type. While the burials thereof were negligible

both as to number and importance, it was found to con-

tain four distinct crematory basins which, from the

evidences of repeated mending and deep burning,

showed that here had occurred unusual activity in the

matter of repeated and long-continued cremation.  To

the casual observer, mounds numbers 13 and 12 would

have given the impression of being connected one with

the other; and while this was not true, since the lines of

post-molds marking the outer circumferences of the

structures represented by them were found to be sepa-

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458     Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications

rated by a space of approximately ten feet, yet their

proximity is significant of their close relationship.

From these facts, it will be evident that the unusual

number of crematories and the evidences of crematorial

activities were the one outstanding feature of mound

number 12.   The first of these crematories, located

near the center of the structure, was of large size and

similar to those typical of the group.  It had been

seriously disturbed in the work of camp construction,

however, leaving only the eastern half intact.  In ex-

cavating this disturbed basin to ascertain its general

character and the depth to which the earth beneath it

had been burned through use, it was noted that the

underlying soil had been disturbed. Following this for

an explanation, it was found that a sub-base crematory

had been constructed, two feet below the original base

of the mound proper. This crematory, which was un-

disturbed, was smaller than most of the others of the

group, measuring but 5½ feet in length and 3½ feet in

width.  The fact that it was not markedly burned

showed that it had not been used for any considerable

length of time.

Crematory number 3, lying toward the east side of

the mound was similar in form to number 2, and even

smaller in size, measuring but 5 feet in length and 3½

feet in width. However, it showed intensive or long-

continued use, since the underlying earth was burned

red to a depth of 5 inches.

Crematory number 4 was found directly west from

the center of the mound, and was in an undisturbed

condition.  It was 6 feet 10 inches long, 3 feet 10

inches wide and 6 inches deep, and contained a few

charred human bones, probably the residue from the

• 37
 

Exploration of the Mound City Group  459

last cremation therein.  A feature of this basin was

the presence of peculiar depressions, two at the west

end and one at the east end. The crematory was well

and carefully constructed, had been used extensively,

and showed repeated repairs with puddled clay.

Only three burials were found in mound number

12.  The first of these, toward the north side, con-

sisted of the usual quantity of charred bones, placed

simply upon the floor, without artifacts. Burial num-

ber 2, toward the west side, occupied a shallow basin 12

inches in diameter.  Accompanying the cremated re-

mains were a necklace of shell beads, a small copper

pendant, a few charred canine teeth of the gray wolf,

and a light-colored flint spear-point, 3 inches long and

11/2 inches wide. The burial was covered with 3 or 4

inches of clay, while two post-molds, one on either side,

indicated the presence of posts on which probably were

hung personal belongings of the dead.  With burial

number 3, placed without preparation upon the floor,

no artifacts were found.

The evidence for mound number 12 is that it was

purely auxiliary to mound number 13, and perhaps to

others, to which the cremated remains and accompany-

ing artifacts were removed and deposited.

 

MOUND NUMBER 23

A barrack building had been erected over approxi-

mately one-half of mound number 23, while the re-

mainder, extending east and south, had been entirely

obliterated in leveling the grounds of the cantonment.

A floor plan of the mound is shown as Fig. 12, while

the photograph, Fig. 13, illustrates that portion of the

mound remaining, with the building covering it.  In

• 38
 

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• 39
 

Exploration of the Mound City Group  461 the portion outside the building, a single burial was found, undisturbed by grading, since it occupied a shal- low basin excavated beneath the floor-line.  Consider- able mica in connection with this burial (number 1) indicated that artifacts may have been placed above it, and thus removed in grading. Squier and Davis designate mound number 23, along with others, as small mounds, "destitute of al-

tars." As will be seen presently, their excavation into this mound, while actually touching upon a crematory, was not sufficiently extensive to disclose its presence to their view. Burial number 2, just beneath the north edge of the building, was covered and surrounded by a thick layer of charred matter, apparently matting and skins, with which were associated numerous angular fragments of granite.

• 40
 

462     Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications Directly south of the center of the mound were found three uncremated skeletons, all in a single grave, and representing an intrusive burial.  The skeletons were those of two adults, male and female, and that of a child 10 or 12 years of age. With the burials were placed numerous artifacts peculiar to the intrusive cul- ture which they represented.  This intrusive burial, with others found in several mounds of the group, will be described in subsequent pages under the heading of intrusive burials found in the mounds of Mound City. Directly beneath the intrusive burial above men- tioned was found the crematory of mound number 23, a finely made structure, 8 feet 6 inches long and 6 feet 7 inches wide. Use of this basin (shown as Fig. 14),

for cremation purposes had been so intense or prolonged that the earth beneath it was burned red to a depth of approximately 10 inches. It was covered by a layer of clay to a depth of 10 inches, above which were respec- tively a sand stratum one-half inch in thickness, a layer

• 41
 

Exploration of the Mound City Group  463 of clay 4 inches thick, and a stratum of sand, one inch thick. The excavation sunk into this mound by Squier and Davis, plainly visible in all respects, had penetrated to the edge of the basin, which apparently they had be- lieved a part of the floor. The basin contained a small quantity of ashes and charred human bones. Burial number 3 lay toward the northwest margin of the mound, just beneath the edge of the building. It was placed upon a small circular raised platform, and is shown in Fig. 15. With the remains were three large

plates of mica, one-fourth inch in thickness; six copper tubes, 4 inches long and one-half inch in diameter; a large copper button-shaped ornament, and a number of shell beads. Burial number 4, near the southern edge of the mound, contained no artifacts.  Burial number 5, di- rectly west of the crematory, was laid upon the floor without preparation.  An interesting feature was the fact that it was placed at the entrance of a shrine, en-

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464     Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications

closed by a series of posts.  The floor of this shrine

was strewn with charred matting, cloth, mica, small

pieces of shell and mastodon tusk.

Directly north of the crematory was found the

fourth intrusive burial of the mound, an uncremated

adult male skeleton. With it were placed the following

implements: five handle-like objects of antler; one

spatula-like bone implement; one antler implement, with

beaver incisor inserted; one large slate gorget; one bone

scraper; four bone harpoons; three bone awls; two flint

celts; six barbed arrow-points; nine unbarbed arrow-

points; four leg-bones of the deer, one partly worked;

two cut beaver teeth, and several turtle shells and deer

bones.

Burial number 6 was found near the northwest

margin of the mound, just inside the line of post-molds

indicating the wall of the sacred structure.  It occu-

pied a depression dug into the floor to a depth of 13

inches, and measured 4 feet long and 3 feet wide. In

the center of this sarcophagus-like receptacle were the

cremated remains, accompanied by two copper ear-or-

naments; a large copper button-like pendant, 1½ inches

in diameter; a necklace of shell beads, and a number of

pieces of heavy ocean shell and fragments of ivory tusk

of the mastodon or mammoth. The grave was covered

with clay in the form of a cone, the apex of which was

about 12 inches above the floor of the mound, and this

in turn by a layer of sand to the depth of one inch. A

cluster of four post-molds, just east of burial number

6, and apparently pertaining to it, enclosed a quantity of

charred material having the appearance of coarse mat-

ting.

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Exploration of the Mound City Group  465

 

MOUND NUMBER 17

Mound number 17 was represented by so slight an

elevation that it was not thought necessary to level it in

preparing the parade ground upon which it is located.

Although Squier and Davis make no record of having

examined this mound, it was found that a hole had been

dug at the center, the measurements of which were 5

feet in length, 4 feet in width, and which reached a

depth of 31/2 feet -more than two feet deeper than the

height of the tumulus.  Mingled with the loose earth

filling this cavity was a quantity of calcined human

bones. These apparently had been disturbed in making

the excavation referred to, either on the base line or

below it; but all evidence that would serve to identify

the remains was destroyed.  The site of this mound

had not been used as a sacred place to any appreciable

extent, as there was no enclosing line of post-molds and

very little evidence of occupation upon the floor level,

Aside from the disturbed remains found in the old

excavation, a single post-mold was the only indication

of usage that could be discovered.

 

MOUND NUMBER 20

Only a very small portion of mound number 20 was

left for examination.  The mound had been graded

away to the base line in leveling the section where it

stood for use as a parade ground, and only that portion

surrounding an electric light pole, previously erected,

was left standing - a conical mass about four feet high

with a base diameter of approximately 8 feet.  Ap-

parently this remnant represented an area near the

center of the mound, for its removal disclosed a crema-

Vol. XXXI-30.

• 44
 

466     Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications tory basin, of rather unusual oval design.  Within this basin were large quantities of ashes and charred human remains which, inferentially, represented a cremation which had not been removed. North of this crematory was an oval pit extending three feet below the base line. This pit contained many animal bones and mussel shells and a quantity of debris. Similar bones and debris were found rather freely in a section of the wall forming the earthwork surrounding the group, while occasionally the bones of various animals and birds were found scat- tered through the earth composing other mounds of the group. MOUND NUMBER 18 This tumulus was examined by Squier and Davis, their report of which follows: "Fig. 39 (reproduced as Fig. 16) is a section of mound number 18 in 'Mound City.' It has three sand strata, and an altar of the usual form and dimensions. This altar contained

no relics, but was thinly covered with a carbonaceous deposit, resembling burned leaves. The feature of this mound most worthy of remark was a singular burial by incremation, which had been made in it at some period subsequent to its erection. The indications (so often remarked as to need no further speci- fication here) that the mound had been disturbed were observed at the commencement of the excavation. At a depth of four and a half feet, the deposit was reached. A quantity of water-worn

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Exploration of the Mound City Group       467

 

stones, and evidently taken from the river close by, had been

laid down, forming a rude pavement six feet long by four broad.

Lying diagonally upon this pavement, -with its head to the

northwest, was a skeleton. It was remarkably well preserved,

and retained much of its animal matter-a fact attributable in

some degree to the antiseptic qualities of the carbonaceous mate-

rial surrounding it. A fire had been built over the body after

it was deposited, its traces being plainly visible on the stones,

all of which were slightly burned.

"A quantity of carbonaceous matter, resembling that formed

by the sudden covering up of burned twigs or other light mate-

rials, covered the pavement and the skeleton. There were no

relics with the skeleton; although around its head were disposed

a number of large fragments of sienite, identical with that of

which many of the instruments of the modern Indians are known

to have been made, previous and for some time subsequent to

the introduction of iron amongst them.

"After the burial had been performed, and the hole partly

filled, another fire had been kindled, burning the earth of a red-

dish color, and leaving a distinctly marked line, as indicated in

the section."

At the time our survey began the examination of

this mound its western one-half lay under a barrack

building, while the exposed portion had been partially

graded off, but not to a sufficient extent to disturb its

contents.   This grading had been to a depth of about

two feet, where the mound emerged from under the

building, and gradually deepened, until toward the

eastern margin it reached to within 15 inches of the

floor.  The erection of the building necessitated the

setting of posts into the body of the mound, but owing

to its considerable height, these posts did not reach to a

depth sufficient to molest the floor or other important

parts.

Examination of the mound was begun at its eastern

margin, where grading had reached nearest the floor,

the line of post-molds around the circumference being

quickly located. The floor plan of the mound is shown

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468     Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications

as Fig. 17. As will be noted from this plan, mound

number 18 was remarkable for the great number of

post-molds upon the floor and in having possessed two

distinct floors.  The posts are especially in evidence

toward the south and west sides, where they fairly sug-

gest a wilderness of posts.  Doubtless they served in

instances as shrines, for in their vicinity the floor was

found to be covered with quantities of charred material

of a vegetable nature, representing apparently matting,

woven fabric and so forth. All posts reached through

the upper floor and into the lower, showing that for

some reason the lower floor of the structure had been

abandoned, filled in with earth, forming a new floor,

and again made use of.

The lower, and the older of the two, was found to

contain a crematory, (number 2) and three burials. Of

these burials (numbers 6, 7 and 8) two were accom-

panied by artifacts, while the third, number 8, was a

simple deposit of incinerated bones. With burial num-

ber 6 were found a necklace of shell and pearl beads

and eight finely made platform pipes. Of these pipes,

three were of the plain platform type, characteristic

of the culture, while the remaining five represented re-

spectively, the otter, the rabbit, a brooding bird, the toad

and the drumming pheasant.   That representing the

otter was made of pudding stone conglomerate, while

the others were all wrought from the Ohio pipestone.

Burial number 7, adjacent to the last mentioned,

disclosed two large plates of mica, probably used as

mirrors; several copper button-shaped ornaments, and

a few perforated bear teeth.

Upon the upper and later floor, were found a crema-

tory (number 1) and eight burials. Of these burials,

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470      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications seven were simply placed upon the floor without arti- facts.  With burial number 5 were placed 50 shell beads. The two distinct floors of mound number 18, to- gether with the crematories, one on each level, are shown in the photograph, Fig. 18.

It is interesting to compare Squier and Davis' draw- ing, shown in Fig. 16; the size of their shaft, from which that drawing was made (Fig. 17); and the photo- graphic view of a cross-section of the mound as made by our survey (Fig. 18). From the last named, it will be noted that the mound possessed four distinct sand strata, instead of the three recorded by them.  This instance affords a good example of the danger of sur- mise or of basing conclusions for a mound as a whole on any given portion thereof. In view of the comparatively small number and un-

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Exploration of the Mound City Group  471 importance of the burials of mound number 18; its large size and evidences of cremation activities; and its proximity to mound number 3, and the great central mound, number 7, it seems likely that it served in great part as an auxiliary and supplemental mound to the two others of the central group of three.   MOUND NUMBER 7 By right of size, as well as location, mound number 7 may well be considered the great central tumulus of the Mound City group of earthworks. Certainly, now that exploration has disclosed the secrets of its rich in- terior, such place will not be denied it; for while others

of the group have shown themselves to be of very great interest, considered alone, it must be conceded that the nucleus of the group as a whole, and the most important of the units composing it, is to be found in mound num- ber 7. Plans for the construction of the cantonment of Camp Sherman called originally for the demolition of

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472      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications mound number 7 and the use of its component earth for filling in the adjacent large pits, from which the group was originally constructed.    However, at the solicitation of representatives of the Museum, these plans were modified, so that the structure might be pre- served until it could be scientifically examined.  As a result, barracks buildings and mess halls were erected on the north, west and east sides, but the mound itself was left undisturbed.   To the south of the structure lay an open parade ground, affording a desirable en- trance for exploration and abundant space for dispos- ing of the great amount of earth to be removed; and it was there that the examination was begun. Before proceeding with the account of the final ex- ploration of mound number 7, it may be well to view the structure as it appeared to Squier and Davis almost three-quarters of a century ago.  They have this to say: "Fig. 41 (reproduced in Fig. 20) is a section of mound number 7 in 'Mound City.' This mound is much the largest within the enclosure, measuring seventeen and a half feet in height by ninety feet base. From its top a full view of the en- tire group is commanded. A shaft nine feet square was sunk from the apex. The outer layer of gravel, which in this case was twenty inches thick, was found to be broken up, and at the

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Exploration of the Mound City Group       473 depth of three feet (at a point indicated by a in the section) were found two copper axes, weighing respectively two, and two and one-fourth pounds. At the depth of seven feet occurred the first sand stratum, below which, at intervals of little more than a foot, were three more, -four in all. At the depth of nine- teen feet was found a smooth level floor of clay, slightly burned, which was covered with a thin layer of sand an inch in thick- ness. This sand had a marked ferruginous appearance, and seemed to be cemented together, breaking up into large frag- ments a foot or two square. At one side of the shaft, and rest- ing on the sand, was noticed a layer of silvery mica, as shown in

the plan of the excavation, Fig. 42 (reproduced as Fig. 21). It was formed of round sheets, ten inches or a foot in diameter, overlapping each other like the scales of a fish. Lateral  excavations  were made to determine its extent, with the result indicated in the plan. The portion un- covered exhibited something over one-half of a large and regular crescent, the outer edge of which rested on an elevation or ridge of sand six inches in height, as shown in the supplementary section o.




The entire length of the crescent from horn to horn could not have been less than twenty feet, and its greatest width five. The clay floor of this mound was but a few inches in thickness; a small shaft, c. was sunk three feet below it, but it disclosed only a mass of coarse ferruginous sand. The earth composing the mound was incredibly compact, render- ing excavation exceedingly slow and laborious. Two active men were employed more than a week in making the excavation here indicated.  It is not absolutely certain that the mound was raised over the simple deposit above men- tioned, and it may yet be subjected to a more rigid investi- gation. "Although this mound is classed as a mound of sacrifice, it presents some features peculiar to itself. Were we to yield to the temptation to speculation which the presence of the mica crescent holds out, we might conclude that the mound-builders worshiped the moon, and that this mound was dedicated, with

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Exploration of the Mound City Group      475 unknown rites and ceremonies, to that luminary. It may be re- marked that some of the mica sheets were of that peculiar variety known as 'hieroglyphic' or 'graphic mica.' " RECENT ASPECT OF THE MOUND In the time intervening between the above survey and the present, striking changes in the appearance of the Mound City group have taken place. With respect

to mound number 7, however, these changes are mostly superficial, since the great tumulus, in all essential re- spects, remained as it was known to Squier and Davis. Externally, the change was marked; for the forest which at that time covered the entire group had disap- peared to be followed by many years of cultivation of the land, while this, in turn, had given way to the erec-

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476     Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications

tion of a great cantonment for the training of Ameri-

can soldiers for the World War.  In size and shape,

mound number 7 was only slightly modified.  Squier

and Davis' measurements show it to have been, as sur-

veyed by them, 90 feet in diameter and 171/2 feet high.

However, since their shaft was sunk to a depth of 19

feet before reaching the floor, it is evident that this

figure more nearly represents the true height; in fact,

after years of cultivation, in which the thick gravel

layer was continuously plowed from the top toward the

base, our survey found the height of the structure to

be 12 feet, while its diameter, as shown by the post-

molds encircling its circumference, was approximately

100 feet.

Their finding of a portion of what they conceived

as being a great mica crescent needs no preliminary

comment, since its import will be made evident in sub-

sequent pages of this report. Continuing of their shaft

to a depth of three feet below the floor was a natural

precaution; but little did they dream that at a depth of

almost another three feet lay the floor of an important

and extensive sub-structure, the uncovering of which

awaited the present survey.  Their surmise that the

mound might justify a more thorough examination was

fully borne out by the results herein set forth.

Examination of mound number 7, begun at the

south side and carried forward in the usual way, had

reached the half-way point to completion, when unex-

pected developments occurred.  In keeping with its

policy of thorough investigation, the survey had con-

stantly sunk test holes through the well-defined floor

of the mound, in order that no underlying activities of

its builders might be overlooked.  One of these test

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Exploration of the Mound City Group  477

shafts, effected at a point a few feet south of the geo-

graphic center of the mound disclosed, at a depth of

5½ feet, a strikingly well-defined floor, with evidences

of burning, as shown by the terra-cotta discoloration of

the surface and charred organic matter strewn thereon.

Enlargement of this test excavation disclosed the rim

of a crematory basin and confirmed the surmise that

the activities of the builders of mound number 7 had

not been confined to the normal level on which the struc-

ture was built.

In a mound of such proportions as number 7, dis-

posal of the component earth under normal conditions

is always a problem, and with this new development it

became decidedly more complex. The solution of car-

ing for upwards of six feet additional was found in

utilizing the limited space available to the east and west

of the mound, thus supplementing the principal working

entry at the south.  This permitted disposing of the

worked-over earth in three directions and leaving

the central portion of the area free for examination.

 

BASEMENT IS DISCLOSED

Since the "basement" or sub-structure antedated the

mound proper in construction and usage, it seems

proper to accord it priority in this report.  [Reference

to the floor plan of mound number 7, shown as Fig. 25,

will afford a definite idea of the size, form and principal

characteristics of this basement.]  Its average depth

below the floor of the mound proper was 5½ feet, al-

though in places this depth was close upon 6 feet. The

excavation corresponding to the basement was oval in

form, with its longest axis extending northeast and

southwest.  Its length was approximately 40 feet and

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478     Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications its width 30 feet.  About 20 inches of the upper por- tion of the fill, including the floor proper, was of clayey loam, the remainder of the 5½ feet being gravel.  The floor of the basement was carefully made of puddled clay, four inches in thickness at the center, and grad- ually sloped toward the outer perimeter, following which was a continuous trough-like depression which served as drainage, by carrying surface water from the floor to holes leading into the gravel below.

Entrance to the basement was by means of an easy slope or grade of earth located at the northeast end. On each side of this entry, where it joined the basement proper, had been set posts, about 6 inches in diameter, the distance between which was 5 feet and 8 inches. From these entry posts, extending in either direction around the wall of the basement were other posts. These were continued, at regular intervals to about the center on each side, and apparently indicated the pres- ence over the one-half of the basement which they oc- cupied of some sort of roof or covering.  An interest- ing feature of the construction of this basement was the fact that to prevent the gravelly soil around its cir-

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Exploration of the Mound City Group  479

cumference from caving in upon the floor, the puddled

clay stratum plastered upon the floor itself had been

carried upward onto the walls, the whole ingenious

proceeding suggesting the use of cement in the modern

basement. It was interesting to find, however, that in

places this wall of clay had failed to withhold the mass

of gravel behind it and that both had slipped downward

and forward onto the floor.

The only object of artificial construction found in

this entire basement was a crematory basin, the edge

of which had been disclosed by the test-hole which

brought to light its existence.  This basin lay toward

the southwest end of the basement, and measured 6 feet

3 inches by 4 feet 4 inches.  [It is shown as Fig. 24.]

This crematory, which had been used for a considerable

period of time, as indicated by its burned condition and

frequent repairs, was devoid of contents, with the ex-

ception of a few calcined bones and ashes remaining

from cremation ceremonies.

It is evident that this basement, a sacred place, was

used for a long period, but that its purpose was mainly

that of cremation.  The cremated remains apparently

were then removed to adjacent sacred places for deposit

and burial.  In the end, the site was abandoned, the

excavation filled to a level with the corresponding

natural surface, and upon this restored surface mound

number 7 was constructed.

 

THE MOUND PROPER

Within a very short time after beginning the exami-

nation of mound number 7, the characteristic post-

molds, marking the outer circumference of the wall of

the pre-structure, were disclosed.  Proceeding from

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Exploration of the Mound City Group  481

these molds, at the southern margin of the mound, what

was at first supposed to be the floor of the structure

was discovered.   This apparent floor, reaching to

within 18 or 20 inches of the marginal post-molds,

proved to be a carefully constructed covering of finely

puddled clay, one-half to one inch in thickness, and in

turn covered with a stratum of finely sifted sand, one

inch to two inches in thickness.  Instead, however, of

marking the floor level, it was found to overlie the en-

tire area of the mound, having been put in place when

the tumulus had been built to a height of 7 feet at the

center. It thus formed a continuous conical cap, com-

pletely sealing the mound below, together with its con-

tents. A second covering, this time of sand alone, was

found to overlie the mound at an earlier stage of its

construction. This stratum lay one foot below the first-

mentioned, and had been put in place when the mound

had reached a height at the center of approximately 6

feet.

The true floor of the mound was easily disclosed,

and proved to be very marked in character.  It had

been constructed of puddled clay, with a light covering

of fine sand. Apparently this sand covering had been

renewed from time to time as it became trampled into

the clay beneath.  A peculiar cement-like layer had

resulted which, in our examination, was removed in

pieces often one foot or more across, and resembling

slabs of sandstone.  As removal of the mound was

carried to completion, it was found that this peculiar

characteristic was constant throughout the entire extent

of the floor.  This floor had been so carefully con-

structed that from its surface the existence of the base-

ment beneath it would never have been suspected. [The

Vol. XXXI-31.

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482      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications photograph shown in Fig. 26 exhibits a section of this main floor, and in addition a portion of the exposed sub-base floor for a distance of 20 feet.]  A section of the basement wall, along its north side, plastered with the puddled clay which, in one spot has slipped down- ward onto the floor, will be noted. The large post-hole at the right of the photograph is one of those placed at the side of the graded entry into the basement.  It and

others of the series extended downward through the main floor; into the sub-base floor, showing that when the basement was filled in, the posts which they repre- sent had remained in place and undisturbed. Reference to the floor plan of the mound (Fig. 25) will show that our survey found no burials or other deposits on the floor of the southwest section of the mound.   This area doubtless served as a sort of as- sembly room from which were viewed the cremation

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Exploration of the Mound City Group  483 and burial ceremonies held toward the interior and the north and east of the structure. BURIALS OF THE MOUND Of the thirteen burials belonging to the builders of mound number 7, all were cremated.   Ten of these were placed upon the floor and three - those numbered 1, 2 and 11 - were found within the body of the mound. Burial number 1 occurred toward the southwestern

side of the structure, about 4 feet above its base. With the cremated remains was an unusually fine double- bitted copper axe. Burial number 2 was similarly located as to the above, at a distance of three feet above the floor. Two interesting copper pendants, spoon-shaped, and a num- ber of bone and shell beads accompanied the cremation, which had been placed in a pocket-like receptacle in the earth.

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484     Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications Burial number 11, the third found above the base- line, lay well to the northeast side of the mound, about three feet above the floor. The cremated remains were deposited on what, at that stage, was the surface of the mound, and covered with earth. With the burial were two flint knives, and a necklace of barrel-shaped bone beads. The natural supposition with regard to burials

placed above the floor is that they represented indi- viduals who died during the erection of the mound. Of the ten burials found upon the floor of this mound, all were placed in more or less carefully pre- pared graves. The smaller and less important of these were covered rather indifferently with a deposit of clay and loam, but over the more pretentious of the burials had been erected primary mounds of earth with the characteristic coverings of fine sand.

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Exploration of the Mound City Group   485 Burial number 3, the first to be encountered of those placed upon the floor, is shown in Fig. 29. The grave was constructed of logs, about 8 inches in diameter, so placed as to form a rectangular enclosure, 6 feet 6

inches long and 5 feet wide.  The enclosure was then filled with earth to a depth of about 5 inches, and upon the resulting platform were deposited the cremated re- mains. With these were found a large obsidian spear,

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486     Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications

8 inches in length; a button-shaped ornament of copper,

plano-convex in form, and one inch in diameter; and a

necklace of small pearl and shell beads.

Burial number 4, located about 10 feet east of num-

ber 3, occupied a low platform 18 inches in diameter.

With the small amount of incinerated human bones

were placed three curved copper objects in the form

of fish-hooks; the remnants of two large spear-points -

one of hyaline quartz and one of obsidian - which had

been broken into fragments; several fragmentary orna-

ments of very thin copper; and an unusual necklace,

composed of large pearl beads and beads of wood,

covered with silver.

Burials numbers 5, 6 and 7 were closely grouped,

and occupied a position directly north of number 3.

Number 5, [shown as Fig. 30], presented an unusual

feature, in that it occupied a receptacle differing ma-

terially from the customary graves of the group. This

receptacle consisted of a short stump-like section of a

tree, into the top of which had been excavated a bowl-

like cavity to contain the cremated remains.  The or-

ganic matter of the container had long since been re-

placed by a deposit of bog-iron, a condition not infre-

quently found in the mounds of this group, particularly

in the post-molds, where the wood of the post has been

replaced by the metallic deposit. In this burial, crema-

tion had been carried to a point where most of the

bones were consumed, the deposit thus being unusually

small in quantity. With the remains were numerous

remnants of perishable objects, including cut jaws and

teeth, beads, and so forth, practically destroyed by

cremation. A large bone awl, however, and a number

of beads, were unburned.

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Exploration of the Mound City Group  487 Burials numbers 6 and 7 occupied slightly raised platforms, and with each was placed a necklace of shell beads. Burial number 8, lying southeast from the center of the mound, contained an unusually large amount of cremated remains. With these were found a necklace of bone beads.

Examination of mound number 7 had reached a stage, at this point, of utmost interest and importance. Its exploration was carried forward by the removal of five-feet cuts, extending approximately east and west, and reaching from top to floor.  The last of these to be completely removed, up to this time, had revealed burials 3, 4 and 8, and, in addition, just north of burial number 4, the margin of a primary sand-covered mound, which promised to develop into something of

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488     Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications

unusual interest. While this cut was being completed

on its eastern end, workmen began the removal of the

next succeeding cut, at its western end.  Burials 5, 6

and 7, already described, were brought to light before

the westernmost one-third of this cut was completed.

Since this cut would carry the work of examination al-

most to the geographical center of the mound, it was

carried forward with careful anticipation of what it

might reveal. It was felt that the shaft sunk by Squier

and Davis, disclosing the extensive deposit of mica

which they were able to examine only in very small part,

was near at hand; and in addition, as before mentioned,

the cut covered a primary mound of decided promise.

Both surmises proved to be correct, for at a point cor-

responding very closely to the center of the mound was

found the southern edge of the historic shaft, while to

the eastward and adjoining it, lay a most pretentious

and important grave, beneath the covering of the pri-

mary sand-covered mound.

 

 

SQUIER AND DAVIS SHAFT

The shaft of Squier and Davis, after being cleared

out by our survey, is shown in the illustration as Fig.

22. Its dimensions were found to be: Depth, 11 feet 2

inches; width at top, 12 feet; width 5 feet below top,

5 feet 10 inches; width at bottom, 7 feet 11 inches.

Although almost three-quarters of a century have

elapsed since the digging of this shaft of the pioneer

explorers, the marks of their mattocks and picks on its

walls were almost as plain as if newly made. The earth

which had been thrown back into the shaft from above

was much looser than that of the undisturbed body of

the mound, and was easily removed in order that the

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Exploration of the Mound City Group  489

shaft might be viewed in its entirety.  At its bottom,

on the eastern side, were located the plates of mica cover-

ing the floor and extending into the undisturbed body

of the mound.  The significance of this mica deposit,

regarding which Squier and Davis made such interest-

ing surmises, will be made plain in succeeding pages.

At the western edge of the old shaft was located an

elevation of the floor, which later proved to be the edge

of the great crematory basin of the mound.

MOUND NUMBER 9

Viewed from the bottom of the shaft of Squier and

Davis, it was most interesting to note with what as-

siduity they had attempted to follow the mica deposit

eastward into the mound. With this in view, they had

undercut their shaft, just above the floor, to a point

almost exceeding the margin of safety, clearly loath to

abandon what they realized to be a valuable and inter-

esting situation. Had conditions permitted their quest

to extend but a few inches farther to the southeast, they

would have come upon one of the most remarkable

burials of the Mound City group, which, in turn, would

have furnished an explanation of the remarkable de-

posit of mica.

Reference to the map of the floor plan of mound

number 7 will make clear the position of burial number

9 and its relation to the shaft of Squier and Davis, as

well as to other sites lying in the central portion of the

mound. A section of the primary mound covering this

burial, with its heavy stratum of fine sand, is shown

in Fig. 28.  The dark soil at the base is a log-mold,

from one of a number of logs forming the outer struc-

ture of the grave.  This structure was rectangular,

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490     Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications laid up cabin-like, two logs deep, the timbers being about eight or nine inches in diameter. On the west, these logs were held in place by glacial boulders, of one to ten pounds size, piled against the structure on the outside.  Within this vault the floor was raised to a height of 6 inches above the general floor, thus forming an elevated platform. At the center of this platform lay an object apparently made to repre-

sent a toad-stool of the death-cup variety, and suggest- ing a wand or baton as its purpose. The object is 131/2 inches in length, and is made of wood, covered with thin copper.  Directly over and around this peculiar object were placed the cremated remains of the dead. Adjacent to these remains, at the south, was a copper plate, ten inches in length, bearing a striking conven- tional decoration in repousse, with the eagle-head as the motif. At the north side of the burial was a second

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Exploration of the Mound City Group  491 copper plate with a similar but more highly conven- tional design in cut-out work, while at the southwest lay an elaborate head-dress of extremely thin and badly decomposed copper, apparently representing the head and horns of some animal. At the southeast and north- east corners of the grave respectively were found two flying eagles of copper, with body and feather markings in repousse, each more than one foot in length. Else- where throughout this grave were placed copper pend-

ants, pearl and shell bead necklaces, and broken-spear- points of rock crystal.  Over the entire grave and its contents were placed large sheets of mica, cut in rec- tangular form, and measuring as large as 14 by 10, inches. [The burial is shown in Fig. 31 and, with some of the mica plates removed, in Fig. 32.]  A carefully woven coarse matting was found covering the copper objects at the south end of the grave.

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THE MICA "PAVEMENT"

It will be readily apparent that in view of Squier

and Davis' surmise regarding the "layer of silvery

mica", the present survey had a justifiable curiosity to

determine its real character.  From their plan (Fig.

21) and their quoted description, it will be noted that

they conceived it to be a "large and regular crescent",

the length of which, "from horn to horn" they placed

at not less than 20 feet. The accompanying floor plan

of the mound, in which is shown Squier and Davis'

shaft, discloses the part of this mica figure which they

uncovered.

Just what the mysterious mica deposit of mound

number 7 really was, is shown in the photograph re-

produced in Fig. 22A. Instead of the great crescent of

20 feet in length, it was found to be a covering of mica

sheets, with an extent of 8 feet in length and 4 feet in

width. In form it was primarily rectangular, but had

been made to conform to the rounded contour of the

base of the small mound covering burial number 9.

Although not so extensive as Squier and Davis believed,

this covering of mica was sufficiently impressive in it-

self. Apparently it had been laid down, topping the

sand stratum which covered the primary mound over

the great central grave, at its northern margin, as a

part of the primitive splendor of aboriginal burial cere-

mony.

A specimen of the hieroglyphic or graphic mica,

mentioned by Squier and Davis as composing the "cres-

cent", is illustrated in Fig. 23.  This mica long has

been a matter of curiosity among geologists, owing to

the uncertainty as to its character. A sample from the

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Exploration of the Mound City Group    493

"crescent" was submitted to Professor John H. Schaff-

ner, of Department of Botany, Ohio State University,

whose report is as follows:

 

"Caused by filamentous iron bacteria, growing between the

plates of mica. A species of Crenothrix has the power of oxidiz-

ing certain kinds of iron. After the Crenothrix produced

organic matter, filamentous fungi-molds-grew into the material.

Probably produced since the mica was buried and in recent

years."

From this report, it becomes evident that the so-

called "hieroglyphic" or "graphic" mica is not a variety

of the mineral, but signifies merely a condition - the

presence of the filamentous bacteria and the resultant

peculiar markings.

The crematory of mound number 7 is shown as Fig.

27. It occupied practically the center of the floor and

was one of the finest and largest of the entire Mound

City group, being 9 feet long, 6 feet wide and 10 inches

deep. It had been long and intensively used, as shown

by frequent mending of burned-out portions, and by the

burning of the underlying earth to the depth of one

foot.  It contained no cremated remains, but such were

found scattered upon the floor near by, where they

doubtless had been dropped in removing cremations

from the basin to adjacent graves.

It was at this point in the examination of the mound

proper, that the constant "sounding" of the floor dis-

closed disturbed soil underneath, and led to the dis-

covery of the sub-floor and basement, previously de-

scribed.

Burial number 10 lay toward the northwestern side

of the mound. Its content of cremated human remains

was larger than usual, and with them were placed a

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494     Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications

necklace of bone beads and several perforated bear

canines.

BURIAL NUMER 12

Equally important with the great central grave of

the mound, both in number and variety of artifacts con-

tained, was grave number 12, located north from the

center of the structure. The construction of the grave

likewise was very similar to that of number 9, logs

forming the sepulchre, with the raised earthen platform

within.  This platform was 6 feet 6 inches in length

and 5 feet in width, with its longer diameter extending

north and south. In its center were the usual cremated

remains and with these and covering all parts of the

platforms were numerous artifacts of copper, obsidian

and mica.

At the northwest corner of the platform lay an in-

geniously constructed belt, the leather of which was

still fairly preserved in parts by contact with copper.

Upon this belt were mounted a total of 18 copper turtles,

about 2 inches in length and 1½ inches wide. The cara-

pace of the turtles was well formed and pierced with

holes running along each side. The plastron is cleverly

fashioned from two pieces of copper, one of which was

designed to serve for attachment to the belt. Within

the turtles were placed either small pebbles or beads,

as rattles.

Near the effigy turtles were found two large and

beautifully fashioned obsidian spears, measuring 73/4

inches in length.  One of these is almost transparent.

Near the center of the grave was a large copper plate,

finely made and well preserved.  It is covered on one

side with leather. In conjunction with this plate were

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Exploration of the Mound City Group   495

found a pair of spool-shaped ear ornaments, one lobe

of each being of copper, and the other of native silver.

The north-central and eastern parts of the grave were

covered with more than a dozen star-like figures cut

from copper and averaging about 21/4 inches in diameter.

Associated with these stars were two conventionalized

objects of copper, resembling bats, each 5 inches long

and 61/2 inches wide. In the same part of the grave was

found a copper plate 10 inches in length, representing the

hawk or eagle in an upright posture. The eyes, feather

markings and body lines are executed in repousse, while

at the neck, but on the reverse side, is a large pearl bead,

the thread by which it is attached being preserved by

the oxidation of the copper. At the east central part of

the grave were found more than one dozen copper pend-

ants, ranging in length from 6 inches to 8 inches.

These were ovate and concaved, with the general form

of the laurel oak leaf, and attached to the inner side of

several of them, through oxidation of the copper, were

shell and pearl beads.  To the south of the cremated

remains was a circular sheet of mica, 11 inches in

diameter, which probably served as a mirror. In close

proximity to this mica sheet was an effigy horn of cop-

per, closely resembling in form the horn of the moun-

tain goat. It is 9 inches long and is characteristically

curved and corrugated. Toward the southwest corner

of the platform lay a copper head-dress in human effigy

form. The specimen, which is 9 inches long, and which

represents the human female form, is curved to fit the

crown of the head in the same manner as those found

in mound number 13. At the southeast corner of this

interesting grave were found several necklaces of fine

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496      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications pearl beads, bear claws and sharks' teeth, and a number of small ornaments of copper. Burial number 13, the final one of the mound, was of especial interest, both as to contents and the deposi- tory which they occupied.  The latter, rectangular in form, was cut into the floor, intaglio-like, to a depth of 9 inches. This basin, in turn, was enclosed with logs, 9 or 10 inches in diameter, and within this enclosure a clay floor, or platform, about 4 inches in height, had

been constructed. Upon this raised platform, at about its center, was placed a fine copper axe, over which, and covering the greater part of the platform, were sheets of mica.  Upon this mica were scattered the inciner- ated human bones, with which were the fragments of a large crystal quartz spear, a necklace of shell beads and two bone needles. At each corner of the grave and in- termediary on each end and one side, were placed large shell containers.  These, seven in number, were fashioned from the species known as Fulgur perversum,

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Exploration of the Mound City Group  497

found in the Gulf of Mexico, through removal of a por-

tion of the body whorl and the columella. Burial num-

ber 13 is shown in Fig. 33.

In addition to the above burials, belonging to the

mound proper, there were disclosed during the process

of examination three intrusive skeletons.  These will

be described under the heading of intrusive burials.

 

MOUND NUMBER 3

Mound number 3 is a long, comparatively low

mound, closely associated with mound number 7 on the

west and with mound number 18 on the east, and with

them forming the central group of Mound City. Con-

siderably modified in form, particularly as to height, in

the work of constructing the cantonment, the measure-

ments of Squier and Davis are much more nearly repre-

sentative of its original dimensions than those available

at this time. These are, as per their report: 140 feet

in length, 60 feet wide at the larger end and 50 feet

wide at the smaller, with a height of 11 feet.

Despite the statement in Squier and Davis' report

that mound number 3 was "minutely investigated", the

present survey began its re-examination with consider-

able interest.  Granting that their examination dis-

closed as much of the floor of the structure as indicated

by them, there still remained, in so large a mound, suffi-

cient undisturbed space to furnish valuable returns both

in specimens and information; moreover, it was felt

that certain rather unusual conclusions reached by the

pioneer explorers were perhaps not fully justified by

their incomplete examination.

Vol. XXXI-32.

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498       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications That the mound still held interesting possibilities is readily seen after reading their description, which fol- lows: "Fig. 34 is a section of the long mound, No. 3, in the plan of 'Mound City.' For several reasons, - its shape, the great dimensions of its enclosed altar, and the number and variety of its relics, - this mound was minutely investigated, and is worthy of a detailed description. It is egg-shaped in form, and measures one hundred and forty feet in length, by fifty and sixty respec- tively at its greater and smaller ends, and is eleven feet high.

"Its longitudinal bearing is N. 20°W. Four shafts were sunk at as many different points; between three of which, for a distance of over forty feet, connecting drifts were carried, as indicated in the plan. "The shaft a was first sunk. At the commencement of the excavation the feature already mentioned, viz., the confusion of the layers, was remarked, and care was accordingly taken to uncover carefully the expected recent deposit. This proved to be a single human skeleton, placed in a sitting posture, the head resting on the knees. The top of the skull was eighteen inches below the surface. The skeleton was well preserved, still re- taining a large portion of its animal matter. The lower jaw was broken, a circumstance observed in most of the skeletons thus found. No relics were deposited with this skeleton. The sand strata occurred low down, following the curvature of the mound, as represented in the section. "Shaft c was next sunk. On the left side of the excavation a disturbance was remarked; and at about two feet below the surface, a rude earthen vessel holding something over one quart, and the lower jaw of a human skeleton, were discovered. They were side by side, and seemed to have constituted the entire deposit. "Two sand strata occur in this mound, the first five feet below the surface, the second one foot deeper. The intermediate

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Exploration of the Mound City Group       499 layers of earth presented the mottled appearance already ex- plained, and were much compacted, rendering excavation ex- ceedingly slow and laborious. The remaining shafts were after- wards sunk for the purpose of ascertaining the size and form of the altar, but disclosed nothing of importance in their course. "Although the altar in this mound was not fully exposed, yet enough was uncovered to ascertain very nearly its character and extent. Forty-five feet of its length was exposed, and in one place its entire width, which was eight feet across the top, by fifteen at the base. The portions in the section, extending beyond the line of the excavation, are supplied, giving an entire length to the altar of not far from sixty feet. "By attention to the longitudinal section of the altar B C B, it will be seen that it shelves gradually from the ends, forming a basin of not far from eighteen inches in depth. The outer

slope is more gradual than the inner one. Near the center of the altar, two partitions, A A, are carried across it transversely, forming a minor basin or compartment, C, eight feet square. Within this basin the relics deposited in the mound were placed. The outer compartments seemed to have been filled with earth, previous to the final heaping over, so as to present a perfectly level surface, which had been slightly burned. This feature is indicated in the section, which also illustrated another interest- ing and important peculiarity. Upon penetrating the altar (a task of no little difficulty in consequence of its extreme hard- ness) to ascertain its thickness, it was found to be burned to the depth of twenty-two inches. This could hardly be accounted for by the application or continuance of any degree of heat from above, and was therefore the occasion of some surprise. A more minute examination furnished the explanation. It was found that one altar had been built upon another; as if one had been used for a time, until, from defect or other causes, it was aban- doned, when another was recast upon it. This process, as shown in the section F E, had been repeated three times, the outline of each successive layer being so distinct as to admit of no doubt as to its cause. The partitions AA were constructed subse- quently to the erection of the altar, as is evidenced from the fact that they were scarcely burned through, while the altar im- mediately beneath them was burned to great hardness. Scat- tered upon the deposit of earth filling the compartments DD,

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500      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications and resting upon the slopes of the altar, were found the traces of a number of pieces of timber, four or five feet long, and six or eight inches thick. They had been somewhat burned, and the carbonized surface had preserved their casts in the hard earth, although the wood had entirely decayed. They had been heaped over while glowing, for the earth around them was slightly baked. In fact the entire hollow of the altar was covered with a thin layer of fine carbonaceous matter, much like that formed by the burning of leaves or straw. These pieces had been of nearly uniform length; and this circumstance, joined to the position in which they occurred in respect to each other and to the altar, would almost justify the inference that they had supported some funeral or sacrificial pile. "The remains found in this mound were, in their number and variety, commensurate with the labor and care bestowed on its construction. A quantity of pottery and many implements of copper and stone were deposited on the altar, intermixed with much coal and ashes. They had all been subjected to a strong neat, which had broken up most of those which could be thus affected by its action. A large number of spear-heads, as they have been termed, beautifully chipped out of quartz and man- ganese garnet, had been placed here; but, out of a bushel or two of fragments, four specimens only were recovered entire. One of them is faithfully figured under the head of 'Implements.' A

quantity of the raw material, from which they were manufac- tured, was also found, consisting of large fragments of quartz and of crystals of garnet. Some of these crystals had been of large size, certainly not less than three or four inches in diameter. A single arrowpoint of obsidian was found; also a number of fine arrowheads of limpid quartz. One of these was four inches in length, and all were finely wrought. Judging from  the quantity of fragments, some fifty or a hundred of these were originally deposited on the altar. Among the fragments were some large thin pieces of the same material, shaped like the blade of a knife. Two copper gravers or chisels, one measuring six, the other eight inches in length, (see 'Implements'), also twenty or more tubes formed of thin strips of copper, an inch and a quarter long by three-eighths of an inch diameter, (see 'Orna- ments') were found among the remains. A large quantity of pottery, much broken up, enough perhaps to have formed orig-

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Exploration of the Mound City Group       501

 

inally a dozen vessels of moderate size, was also discovered. Two

vases have been very nearly restored. They resemble, in mate-

rial and form, those already mentioned, and have similar mark-

ings on their exterior. (See 'Pottery.') Also a couple of carved

pipes; one of which, of beautiful model and fine finish, is cut

out of a stone closely resembling, if indeed not identical with,

the Potomac marble, of which the columns of the hall of the

House of Representatives at Washington are made. The other

is a bold figure of a bird, resembling the toucan, cut in white

limestone.

"A portion of the contents of this mound were cemented

together by a tufa-like substance of a gray color, resembling the

scoriae of a furnace, and of great hardness. It was at first sup-

posed to be carbonate of lime gradually deposited, in the lapse

of time, from the water percolating through the outer stratum

of limestone gravel and pebbles. The quantity however, cover-

ing as it did a large part of the basin to the depth of an inch or

two, weighed strongly against such a conclusion; and a subse-

quent analysis demonstrated that it was made up in part of

phosphates. A single fragment of partially calcined bone was

found on the altar. It was the patella of the human skeleton.

"Such were the more important features of this interesting

mound. It is evident that the enclosed altar had been often used,

and several times remodeled, before it was finally heaped over.

Why this was at last done, upon what occasion, and with what

strange ceremonies, are questions which will probably forever

remain unanswered."

 

 

THE CENTRAL CREMATORY

Since the principal value of the final examination of

mound number 3 lies in its confirmation or modification

of the earlier conclusions, through the exhaustive data

afforded by complete removal of the tumulus, the object

of this report can best be obtained by comment and com-

parison, based upon Squier and Davis' quoted descrip-

tion.   For the most part their observations are ob-

viously correct, or are of such a nature that no criteria,

confirmatory or otherwise, remained to the final survey.

What evidence this final examination did furnish, has

to do mainly with the extent of the former excavations

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502     Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications

and what they revealed, particularly with regard to

what was supposed to be a great "altar", upwards of

60 feet in length, having at its center transverse parti-

tions forming a minor basin as a depository for arti-

facts.

As the work of removing the mound was carried

forward from the west side, following along the floor

line, it was a very simple matter to locate and determine

the shafts and connecting drifts made by Squier and

Davis.  In the first place, the characteristic sand strata

were, of course, obliterated, while the earth that had

been thrown back into the excavations, besides being

homogeniously mixed, was much looser than that com-

posing the undisturbed portions of the mound.  The

entire floor space disclosed by the old shafts and con-

necting drifts, after being cleaned off, is shown in Fig.

37.  It was found that the total extent of these was

22 feet in length and 4½ feet in width. From this com-

paratively small area had been drawn the conclusion

regarding the so-called altar of upwards of 60 feet in

length.  Reference to the floor plan of the mound,

shown as Fig. 38, will make clear to the observer just

what Squier and Davis really observed on the floor ex-

posed by their shafts, and what the real significance of

their partial disclosure proved to be.  Only their cen-

tral shafts, it will be noted, were connected by drifts.

The outer ones, sunk for test purposes, encountered the

smooth hard floor, more or less burned and reddened,

which they mistook for continuation of the basin dis-

closed at the center.

With the entire floor of the mound exposed by our

survey, the surmises of three-quarters of a century

were set at rest.  It was found that near the center of

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Exploration of the Mound City Group   503 the structure there had been erected originally a crema- tory basin measuring 8 feet in length and 5 feet in width.  This basin had been used continuously and intensively, with the result that the underlying earth was burned red to a depth of 12 inches.  Moreover, long-continued use had necessitated repeated repairs, effected by replacing burned-out portions of its walls with fresh layers of clay. In the end, the basin had

become unfit for use, through long service, and was abandoned for a new one. The new crematory basin, it will be noted on the floor plan, was constructed at the north end of and directly in line with, the old basin; in fact, it actually overlapped the latter to the extend of about 18 inches. This new crematory basin measured 12 feet long and 7 feet wide, and was the largest of the entire Mound City group.  The "minor basin or compartment" of

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504     Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications

Squier and Davis proved to be merely the remaining

portion of the old crematory, the raised end of which,

at the south, formed one of the transverse partitions,

the other of which was the south end of the new basin.

 

THE CENTRAL DEPOSITORY

Although the old basin had been abandoned as a

crematory, it was made use of, as shown by Squier

and Davis, and as confirmed by our survey, as a de-

pository for funeral artifacts.  Numerous broken

specimens remained in and about this depository, over-

looked in the original examination. These included

pieces of quartz and garnet, both worked and un-

worked; pottery fragments; shell and pearl beads; per-

forated sharks' teeth; and objects of copper.  On the

floor to the northeast of the large crematory, had been

placed two logs, as shown on the floor plan.  These

were 7 and 10 feet long, respectively, and about 9 or

10 inches in diameter.

A third crematory was found well toward the north

end of the mound.   This basin was unusually well-

made, and measured 6 feet in length by 4½ feet in width.

To the northeast had been placed five logs, 6 feet long

and 6 inches in diameter.  These logs were laid in

regular order, at a distance of about 15 inches from

one another.  On and about these were quantities of

carbonaceous matter, apparently resulting from the

burning of leaves and woven fabric.  Nothing was

present to indicate the purpose of these logs, laid thus

in regular order upon the floor, unless perchance they

may have served as seats or benches.

A carefully made circular basin-like depression lay

at the northwest part of the mound, near the marginal

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(505)

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506     Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications

post-molds.  It measured 3 feet in diameter and about

5 inches in depth, was made from puddled clay, and

was considerably burned. It was devoid of contents.

 

 

BURIALS OF THE MOUND

Only four burials were found in the entire mound.

Burial number 1 lay near the western edge of the struc-

ture, and consisted simply of cremated bones without

artifacts.  Burial number 2, a few feet north and east

from number 1, was somewhat more pretentious, in

that it was covered by a small primary mound of earth.

With the remains were a large button-shaped copper

ornament and a necklace of shell beads.

Burial number 3 lay well toward the north end of

the mound. The cremated bones, with the ashes care-

fully sifted out, lay upon the floor without preparation.

Scattered over it and promiscuously about for several

feet were numerous broken arrow- and spear-points

made from a bluish-gray highly fossiliferous flint, pre-

sumably of the nodular limestone variety. Burial num-

ber 4, at the southeast corner of the mound, was without

artifacts.

Three intrusive burials, found in the mound near its

surface, are shown on the map of the floor plan. They

were unaccompanied by artifacts.

The examination of mound number 3 was made

difficult by the presence of barrack buildings on the east,

northwest and south, and a thoroughfare on the north.

The work of removing the component earth was accom-

plished only at the cost of considerable time and labor.

While the post-molds corresponding to the outer cir-

cumference of the structure were traced for the greater

part of their extent, this could not be done on the east

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Exploration of the Mound City Group  507

side owing to the encroachment of buildings, excepting

at one point, toward the southeast. Here the work of

excavation was carried eastward well into the adjacent

mound, number 18, the purpose being to determine

whether or not there had existed any definite connec-

tion between the two.  While no physical connection

existed between these mounds, it would seem probable

that number 3, as well as number 18, as indicated in

previous pages, served to some extent as supplemental

or contributory to mound number 7.

 

MOUND NUMBER 21

Mound number 21 was one of several minor struc-

tures designated by Squier and Davis as "small mounds,

devoid of altars", meaning by altars, of course, what

now are recognized as crematory basins. At the time

of our examination, the western one-half of this mound

lay under a barrack building.  The exposed eastern

portion, which had been graded off to within about 10

inches of the floor, was examined late in 1920, the

remaining portion being left until, one year later, the

building was removed.

Examination of the eastern one-half disclosed two

large crematories, separated by a space of about 4 feet,

each showing evidences of long use. Under the edge

of the barrack building, at about the center of the

mound, was found a cremated burial with which were

placed a necklace of shell beads and two specimens made

of granite, highly polished and resembling in form the

so-called discoidal stones.

Examination of the remainder of the mound, in

1921, brought to light a third crematory, well made

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508     Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications

and showing long use. This mound doubtless served

as a crematory site for others of the group.

MOUND NUMBER 9

Mound number 9 was the last of the Mound City

group to be examined.  Its exploration had been de-

layed until October of 1921, when a building which had

covered the greater portion thereof was removed. At

the center of the mound was found a finely made crema-

tory, 8 feet long, 6 feet wide and 6 inches deep. The

basin showed long use and frequent repair.

A few feet to the south, and directly in line with

this crematory, were placed five cremated burials, ar-

ranged in an unusual and interesting manner. Three

of these occupied slightly elevated rectangular spaces,

side by side, while directly south and adjacent to these

were two others, occupying circular spaces. With one

of these, number 13, were placed a few pieces of mica.

Of the 14 burials contained in the mound, none was

accompanied by artifacts and, with the exceptions noted

above, all were simple cremations placed without prepa-

ration upon the floor.

Examination of mound number 9 shows conclusively

that the structure was auxiliary to mound number 8, in

close proximity, from which Squier and Davis removed

their remarkable find of pipes and other objects.

ARTIFACTS TAKEN FROM THE MOUND CITY GROUP

Owing to the unusual and highly specialized char-

acter of the objects of human manufacture taken from

the mounds of the Mound City group, it has been

thought advisable to accord them a rather full descrip-

tion. Therefore, instead of complicating the preceding

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Exploration of the Mound City Group  509

text, wherein the exploration of the various tumuli is

dealt with, these minor relics are considered in the fol-

lowing pages, under their respective headings.

 

POTTERY-WARE

The ceramic art seems to have occupied an im-

portant place in the economy of primitive man of the

Mound City group.   In the manufacture of pottery-

ware, as in whatever else he undertook, he easily ex-

celled others of the several culture groups whose re-

mains are found in the Ohio archaeological area.  The

builders of the Mound City group possessed, however,

a variety of pottery-ware not greatly differing from the

usual rather heavy ware of the lower cultures, and serv-

ing utility purposes.  This ware, in fragments, was

found rather freely in several mounds of the group, and

doubtless represented vessels used ordinarily as con-

tainers, cooking pots, and so forth.  This utility ware

has been found in practically all the mounds of the cul-

ture examined, and while well made and serviceable, it

presents no particular claim to being a highly developed

product.

It is in a distinct and entirely different variety of

ware that we find those qualities which make for a

highly specialized ceramic product; a ware which, while

doubtless serving as a utility, yet possessed decidedly

artistic merit and which apparently served also in a

ceremonial capacity.  The principal characteristics of

this ware are its unusual thinness and symmetrical

forms; its exceptional quality, from the standpoint of

serviceability; the elaboration of its decorative designs;

and its possession of feet or legs for support.  This

last-named characteristic is a most decided departure

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510     Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications from the usual in primitive pottery, most of which merely has the rounded base, or bottom, without modi- fication of any kind. Explorations of other mounds of the Hopewell cul- ture type, such as the Harness mound, south of Chilli- cothe; the Seip mound, in the Paint Creek Valley; and the Tremper mound, in the lower Scioto valley, had constantly produced potsherds bearing projections sug- gesting legs; but it was not until the finding of entire vessels in the Mound City group that they could be definitely identified as such. Squier and Davis report finding numerous broken vessels, particularly in mounds number 2 and number 3. In a few instances they were able to effect complete or partial restorations, which are illustrated in their report.  Fig. 39 shows one of these vessels, from mound number 2, as having a flat bottom. From the same mound our survey removed a vessel which, while

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Exploration of the Mound City Group   511 broken, readily lent itself to restoration.  This pot, shown as Fig. 40, is similar to that of Squier and Davis, from the same mound, except that the bottom is rounded and is supplied with legs for its support. It is made of a fine grade of clay, tempered with broken shell, and is well burned.  Its general form is square, with rounded corners, the top or rim being much more

angular than the lower portions of the vessel. The rim is decorated in roulette, while each of the four panel- like faces of the vessel bears a highly conventionalized bird, presumably the duck.  This design, resembling closely that of the Squier and Davis vessel, with the exception of the bill, appears, when viewed from a dis- tance, to be in relief.  This effect is due to the incised markings on the field of the vessel surrounding the bird.

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512     Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications The duck apparently is represented as in flight, or as resting on the water with wings raised. Professor W. H. Holmes, in his Aboriginal Pottery of the Eastern United States, opposite page 192, marked "E Ohio", figures a vessel with similar decoration, locality of origin unknown.  It seems very probable that this specimen is a restoration by Squier and Davis of a vessel from the Mound City group. Another interesting pottery vessel is that shown as Fig. 41. This pot was found in a depository in mound

number 13. It was in a broken condition, but the find- ing of practically every part permitted of an easy resto- ration. The vessel is round in form, 5 inches in height and 4½ inches in diameter at the center.                 The bottom is rounded, with four supporting legs.                      This vessel,

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Exploration of the Mound City Group  513 together with the above described pot from mound num- ber 2, constitute, so far as known, the only entire vessels of their kind taken from the mounds of Ohio. TOBACCO PIPES The tobacco pipes taken from the mounds of the Mound City group by the final survey were not numer- ous, as compared with those found by Squier and Davis in mound number 8, or with those from the Tremper mound, in Scioto county.  They were, however, very similar in character and of equally artistic execution. But three mounds of the group yielded pipes - num- bers 2, 13 and 18. This, of course, is exclusive of the great find of pipes taken from mound number 8 by Squier and Davis, now exhibited in the Blackmore museum, at Salisbury, England, numerous remaining fragments of which were found by our survey. Mound number 2 yielded but a single pipe, which was found in burial number 17. This was a miniature specimen, of the plain platform type, and is shown as Fig. 42.  The platform base, which is curved, is 11/2

inches long and a little less than one-half inch wide. The bowl, which is decorated by encir- cling incised lines, is one-half inch high, five-eighths of an inch in diameter at the center and slightly less at its top. The platform is drilled from both

ends, apparently to permit of the use of the specimen as a pendant or ornament. The pipes found in mound number 13, as already Vol. XXXI-33.

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514     Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications shown in the descriptive text, were all broken or frag- mentary, and were confined to the ridged sides and ends of grave number 1, and to the peculiar deposit, number 5.  From the total number of fragments and broken pipes, representing approximately 100 individual speci- mens, it was found possible to match and restore only a few of the number.   It was apparent that the pipes deposited in this mound had been ceremonially broken elsewhere, and no care taken to retain the fragments in common. The pipes taken from mound number 18, however, were unbroken.  They were eight in number, and oc- cupied burial number 6, over which had been erected a primary mound 2 feet in height. PIPE REPRESENTING THE TOAD Fig. 43 illustrates a pipe sculptured in the image of the toad.  The specimen is from burial number 6 of

mound number 18. It is made of blue-gray Ohio pipe- stone, with a base 21/2 inches long and 11/4 inches wide. The platform base, unlike most of those found in this group, as well as those from the Tremper mound, is

• 93
 

Exploration of the Mound City Group   515 straight.  The primitive sculptor did not succeed in portraying his subject with any great degree of ac- curacy in this specimen, nor is the detailed carving so good as in others from the same deposit. SCULPTURE OF THE FROG Two pipes carved to represent the frog were found, both within the ridges forming the sides of the intaglio grave of mound number 13.    As with others of this deposit, they were broken, but careful search and sifting of the soil furnished the component parts and made pos- sible their restoration.  The pipe shown in Fig. 44 is

an excellent example of prehistoric sculpture, and pos- sesses considerable artistic merit.  The slightly curved platform is flat on top, convex beneath, and measures 31/4 inches long and 1 inch wide. The material is a dark gray Ohio pipestone.  The primitive artist has carved in detail the body markings of the animal, the eyes of which doubtless have been set with copper or fresh- water pearls. Figure 45, representing the frog, is perhaps the finest example of sculpture found by our survey in the

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516     Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications Mound City group.   The carving is exceptionally good and the specimen has been carefully finished and pol- ished.  The material is dark chocolate-colored Ohio

pipestone.  The slightly curved platform is squared at the front, or drilled end, and rounded at the rear.  It measures 4 inches long and 1½ inches wide.  This pipe stands alone in artistic conception and execution, the sculpture showing remarkable fidelity to nature in both form and posture. PIPES REPRESENTING THE CROW The two sculptures of the crow were found, as were the frog pipes, in the deposit attending grave number 1, of mound number 13, and in common with others similarly placed, were broken.  Fortunately, however, they were among the few of the 100 or more repre- sented by fragments in the deposit, which could be restored.  The pipe shown as Fig. 46 is an exceptional sculpture, both with respect to its fidelity to life and the care with which the feathering is depicted by the artist. An interesting feature of this pipe is more noticeable

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Exploration of the Mound City Group   517 in the specimen itself than in the cut.  Originally made from a light tan colored pipestone, portions of the speci- men, when ceremonially broken, were thrown upon the crematory fire, while other fragments fell outside the fire. The former were discolored by the heat to a rich brownish-black, while the later retain the light color of the original material.

Another sculpture of the crow, the largest effigy pipe found in the Mound City group, is shown as Fig. 47. This specimen is made of dark bluish-drab pipestone. The curved base, rounded in front and squared at the rear, is 5 inches in length, while the image of the bird itself is 2 inches high and 4 inches long. The sculpture of this specimen is not as good as in the preceding one, although the general form is fairly true to nature. The perforations for the eyes, which apparently were pearls, are drilled entirely through the head of the bird.  It is probable that in this manner the pearls inserted for eyes could be secured, one to the other, by means of a cord,

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518      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications

a process not infrequently employed in the Hopewell culture in setting pearls into bear teeth and other ob- jects used as ornaments. EFFIGY OF THE PHEASANT Fig. 48 shows a full-sized photograph of a pipe rep- resenting the pheasant, from mound number 18. The

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Exploration of the Mound City Group  519 primitive artist has portrayed the pheasant in the atti- tude of "drumming", as evidenced by the erect fan-like spread of the tail, the rigidity of the wings, the pouched neck and the elevated "top knot", or crest, the last- named represented in the specimen by horn-like projec- tions. The bird in question is the Bonasa umbellus, or ruffed grouse, locally known as the partridge or pheas- ant.  The base or platform of this pipe is rectangular, with rounded corners, flat above and rounded below, and is 4 inches long by 11/4 inches wide. It is fashioned from light-gray Ohio pipestone. SCULPTURE OF THE RABBIT Fig. 49 shows a pipe made in the image of the rab- bit, in the sitting posture.  The specimen is made of gray Ohio pipestone, the base being 23/4 inches long and one inch wide. This pipe is smaller than is usual, but is quite well done, depicting the animal as seen at rest.

A photograph of a pipe representing the otter is shown as Fig. 50. This pipe is made from a pudding- stone conglomerate, the base being 23/4 inches in length, slightly concaved above and convex below. The hard

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520      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications pebbles of the conglomerate make a striking contrast in color to the softer and somewhat weathered base or matrix in which they are embedded.

Several pipes representing the otter were found by Squier and Davis in mound number 8, and were identi- fied by them as the manatus, a marine animal, which is, of course, entirely foreign to Ohio. A number of fine sculptured pipes of the otter, several displaying their marked characteristic by holding fish in their mouths, were found in the Tremper mound in the lower Scioto valley. These pipes, unmistakably the otter, are very similar to those identified by Squier and Davis as the manatus. PLAIN PLATFORM PIPES The platform pipe shown as Fig. 51 was found along with the above-described image pipes, in burial number 6 of mound number 18. It is made of Ohio pipestone, of a dark gray color, the platform being well curved, rectangular, with slightly rounded corners, and 4 inches in length.  The top of the platform is slightly concave, while the bottom is decidedly convex. The bowl is greatly enlarged at the platform, gradually lessens toward the center, and then expands into a rim at the top, where it is decorated by 6 deep notches. The

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Exploration of the Mound City Group      521

rim of the pipe thus presents something of flower form. Another plain platform pipe, from the same grave as the above, is shown in Fig. 52. This specimen, like the otter pipe, is made from a conglomerate. Its plat- form is but 3 inches in length, and only slightly curved.

An interesting observation upon the ceremonial breaking up or "killing" of specimens deposited with cremated remains is had in connection with the pipes found in the Mound City group, particularly those of mound number 13. In this mound, both in grave num-

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522     Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications

ber 1 and in depository number 5, were found numerous

fragments of pipes. In the subsequent work of piecing

these together to form entire specimens, it was found

that only a few whole pipes were represented and that

parts of most of the entire number had not been in-

cluded with the pieces found.  It seemed evident that

fragments of a given specimen had been deposited in

two or more places, and this belief was strengthened by

the discovery that portions of a pipe found in grave

number 1 completed a specimen, the parts of which were

found in depository number 5, some distance removed.

It is known that a great many of the pipes found by

Squier and Davis in mound number 8 could not be re-

stored because portions thereof were not among the

many fragments of their find.  It seems very probable

that many of their fragments correspond to unmatched

fragments taken by our survey from mound number 13,

and that the incomplete pipes from the two mounds

would furnish a number of complete restorations.

 

BONE IMPLEMENTS

Very few implements made of bone were found in

the mounds of the group, which is rather unusual, since

most mounds of the culture hitherto examined have

furnished fairly abundant evidence of such artifacts.

A fine bone needle, 5½ inches in length, was found near

the southwest corner of crematory number 1, in mound

number 18, apparently intentionally placed.  A large

bone awl was found with burial number 5, in mound

number 7.   It measured 5 inches in length and was

made from the metapodial bone of the deer.  Other

bone implements found were mainly those used as dig-

ging tools during the construction of the mound, and

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Exploration of the Mound City Group  523

comprised shoulder-blades of the deer and various other

deer and animal bones suited to the purpose.  These

digging tools were carried upon the mound during its

erection and covered with earth, either through accident

or design.

CHIPPED FLINT IMPLEMENTS

 

ARROW-POINTS

Arrow-points chipped from flint were sparingly

found in the burials of the Mound City group.  In a

depository of mound number 13, two perfect flint points

were found, while in mound number 3, surrounding a

burial at the north end, were several hundred parts of

broken flint arrow-points, of unusual forms and excep-

tionally skilled workmanship.

In the great central depository of mound number 3

were found a number of broken arrow-points made of

crystal quartz and garnet, or manganese quartz - what

remained of the large deposit of similar specimens re-

moved by Squier and Davis. As a whole, the chipped

arrow-points found throughout the group were excep-

tionally well made, indicating the existence of a master

hand in the art of chipping flint and similar materials.

 

 

CHIPPED SPEAR-POINTS

Many broken spear-points of flint were found in

mounds numbers 13, 18, 7 and 3, but no perfect speci-

mens of that material were secured.  These broken

flint spear-points were particularly in evidence upon the

central floor of mound number 3, where many frag-

ments showed that they were parts of specimens 3

inches or more in width. These large and finely made

spear-points, a number of which apparently had been

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524     Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications

12 inches or more in length, doubtless were highly cere-

monial as to usage.  More than 20 pounds of broken

spears were found in this mound.  Similar specimens

of from 6 to 9 inches in length, were found completely

shattered by heat, with burials of mound number 7.

The largest and finest spear-points found, in perfect

condition, were chipped from obsidian.  Of these, all

of which were placed with burials, the largest measured

9 inches in length by 4 inches in width. This specimen

is shown as Fig. 53. This fine spear-point, a master-

piece of the chipper's art, was found along with the

specimen shown in Fig. 54 with burial number 3 of

mound number 13.

Another beautiful obsidian spear-point is shown in

Fig. 55, a specimen remarkable for its symmetry and

pleasing design.  It is 8 inches in length, and is ex-

tremely thin and well made, the material being almost

transparent, as may be seen in the cut. It was found,

together with another similar in size and design, with

burial number 12, mound number 7.   A number of

finely made obsidian spear-points completely shattered

by fire were found with cremated burials in the several

mounds.

FLAKED KNIVES

Flake knives and the flint cores from which they

were struck off were not particularly abundant, but

rather general in their occurrence. They were found

with cremated burials in mounds numbers 8, 13, 18, 7

and 3.

A specimen of knife chipped from obsidian, shown

as Fig. 56, was found in depository number 5 of mound

number 13. This type of knife is somewhat character-

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Exploration of the Mound City Group   525 istic of the Hopewell culture, and apparently was fastened into a wooden handle.  The flake knife, how- ever, was much more general in its use.

IMPLEMENTS MADE OF COPPER The copper implements taken from the Mound City group were few in number, but they were exceedingly well made. A copper axe, 53/4 inches in length, and having a double-bit, is shown as Fig. 57. The bits have widths of 2 inches and 3 inches, respectively.  The axe is flat

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Exploration of the Mound City Group  527 on one side and convex on the other, indicating that the implement had been made by hammering the copper into a die. This implement was found associated with a small amount of cremated human remains, placed four feet above the floor well toward the south side of the mound. A second copper axe is shown as Fig. 58. This axe was found with burial number 13 of mound

number 7, and is 63/4 inches long and 23/4 inches wide at the bit. For the most part the copper axes used by this culture were ham- mered out in a die, but in this instance the implement appears to have been made without any such assistance.  The edges of the implement are square and its thickness more than 1/4 inch. The copper has oxidized into a beau- tiful blue azurite. Copper drills or perforators were but spar- ingly found, mounds numbers 8 and 13 each yielding a single specimen. That from burial num-

ber 3, mound number 8, is 8 inches in length and 1/4 inch in diameter at the center, and tapers toward the ends. The specimen is perhaps the finest taken from an Ohio mound. Another drill, 51/2 inches long and 1/4 inch in diameter, is square at the center, tapering to a sharp point at either end. A drill similar to the above was found by Squier and Davis in mound number 3, and three similar specimens were secured from the Seip mound by the Society's survey.

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Exploration of the Mound City Group   529 ORNAMENTS OF COPPER The numerous and highly specialized artifacts of copper, serving ornamental and ceremonial purposes, were the striking feature of the exploration of the

Mound City group of earthworks.  While the usual types of copper ob- jects, characteristic of the culture, were present as had been expected, it was most gratifying to find, as the work of examina- tion progressed, that a number of entirely new and highly artistic forms were rewarding the labor necessary to exhaustively explore the group. COPPER BREAST-PLATES Under the heading of copper plates there are here included a number of rather complex arti- facts which, upon casual observation, might ap- pear to be entirely dis- tinctive types.  Further

study of these specimens, however, leads to the conclu- sion that they are not, after all, to be so classified, and that the apparent difference between them and the well- known plain rectangular copper plate, characteristic of Vol. XXXI-34.

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530     Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications the culture, is merely that which would be expected of