Ohio History Journal

EXPLORATION OF THE HOPEWELL GROUP OF

PREHISTORIC EARTHWORKS

PREFATORY

The Ohio State Archaeological and Historical So-

ciety's examination of the Hopewell Group of Prehis-

toric Earthworks, if set down in detail, would more than

fill the allotted space; and yet, such a report, without

some mention of two former partial explorations would

lack much of being a complete story. Moreover, should

anything like a full review of previous explorations be

included, the resultant report would extend entirely out

of bounds.

The solution, then, appears to lie in the direction of

a somewhat curtailed account of the recent Survey, sup-

plemented by sufficient reference to former ones to pro-

duce a report suited to the requirements of the average

reader. Adapting this plan to the following pages, such

recent data as seem not to be of immediate importance

are omitted; and minute details of exploration and ma-

terial not recorded herein, but to be found in the So-

ciety's field notes and study collections will be available

at the Museum to those interested.

As regards former explorations, only outstanding

phenomena and features not duplicated in the recent ex-

amination are cited. Unfortunately, the material from

the first examination of the group -- that of Squier and

Davis -- is not easily accessible for study, it having been

taken from this country to England at an early date.

Their official report, however, will be found in Volume I

Vol. XXXV-1.        (1)

2                    Prefatory

of Smithsonian Contributions, under the title "Ancient

Monuments of the Mississippi Valley". As regards the

second examination, conducted by Warren K. Moore-

head, students are referred to the Field Museum of

Natural History, Chicago, where the material there-

from is displayed, and to Professor Moorehead's report,

published by that institution.

Through the kindness of officials of the Field Mu-

seum -- the Director and the Chief of the Department

of Ethnology -- the writer was accorded permission to

carry out an extended study of the Hopewell material

in that institution and to make photographs, drawings,

casts and replicas of specimens. Fortunately, as in the

present Survey, many of the rare types of artifacts in

the unexcelled Hopewell collection at the Field Museum

are in duplicate. As a result, an exchange between the

two institutions was effected whereby each secured

types and material not previously contained in its col-

lections. As a result of this exchange of original speci-

mens and the making of replicas of others, the Society's

display of Hopewell material now illustrates practically

all types and materials secured by the several explora-

tions of the group.

The thanks of the Society and its Survey are grate-

fully accorded to the following persons:

To Mrs. M. C. Hopewell, of Chillicothe, owner of

the Hopewell group, for exploration privileges, and for

presentation to the Museum of specimens taken from

the group by the former survey.

To Mr. Albert C. Spetnagel, of Chillicothe, for hav-

ing secured permission to examine the group, and for

constant aid and support during its exploration.

Prefatory                   3

To Mr. Morris Anderson, resident manager of the

Hopewell farm, for assistance and co-operation during

the period of exploration.

To Mr. D. C. Davies, Director; Dr. Berthold Lau-

fer, Chief of the Department of Ethnology; and Dr.

Ralph Linton, Ethnologist; Field Museum of Natural

History, Chicago, for courtesies and assistance ex-

tended the Society's Curator of Archaeology, during a

period of ten days spent in the study of the Hopewell

material in that institution.

EXPLORATIONS OF THE HOPEWELL GROUP

OF PREHISTORIC EARTHWORKS

BY H. C. SHETRONE, CURATOR OF ARCHAEOLOGY

INTRODUCTORY

For the benefit of those readers who may not have

found time and opportunity to acquaint themselves with

the fundamentals of Ohio archaeology, this brief out-

line of the mound-building peoples of the state is of-

fered.

Throughout the valleys of the lower Mississippi and

the Ohio rivers, together with many of their tributaries

and adjacent territory, there have been observed pre-

historic mounds and earthworks, popularly attributed

to the so-called Mound-builders. Exploration of these

tumuli and study of their burials and relics show that

they were constructed, not by a separate and distinct

race of people, but by various tribes and nations of

American Indians. In a word, the trait of building

mounds as monuments to the dead and of constructing

earthworks for religious, social and defensive purposes,

was almost world-wide among primitive peoples, and

the native American Indians were no exception.

Within the confines of the state of Ohio three or

more kinds or cultures of prehistoric inhabitants had

developed the trait of mound-building. Two of these

are of foremost importance. The so-called Fort An-

cient culture were widespread and numerous and left

(5)

6        Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications

behind them extensive village sites. The Hopewell cul-

ture, the most highly developed of all the mound-build-

ing peoples, were responsible for the erection of a score

or more of great geometric earthworks and accompany-

ing mound groups, throughout southern Ohio and con-

tiguous territory. It is to this culture that the Hope-

well Group of Prehistoric Earthworks, the exploration

of which is set forth in the following pages, belongs.

Lack of space precludes mention of more than a few

of the outstanding characteristics of this and other cul-

tures of the state. Origin, antiquity and disappearance

are perhaps the three phases of the subject concerning

which information most often is desired. As indicated

above, the mound-building peoples belonged to the na-

tive American race, so that the question as to their

origin becomes a part of the broader question as to the

origin of the American Indian. Most persons are aware

that scientific opinion now inclines strongly toward Asia

as the place of such origin.

While it is a recorded fact that in certain sections of

the country mounds have been built and used within

historic times, there is no evidence of contact between

the builders of Ohio mounds and white men; however,

there is no reason to believe that the building of mounds

in the Ohio area may not have prevailed well up to the

time of the appearance of Europeans in the territory.

The question of antiquity of the mounds, therefore, can-

not be specifically answered, since a given mound might

be not more than two or three centuries old, while

another may have witnessed the lapse of ten or twenty

centuries.

There appears to be but a single historical incident

Explorations of the Hopewell Group   7

having a possible bearing upon the disappearance from

Ohio of the mound-building cultures; namely, the so-

called Iroquoian invasion, which occurred about the

year 1650. While the mound-building trait in the ter-

ritory in question obviously had reached and passed its

greatest development by that time, there is reason for

believing that it may not have been entirely obsolete, in

which case the Iroquoian conquest is a conceivable fac-

tor in its extermination. Other possible causes are those

which have obtained throughout the history of human

society -- social and physical decadence, famine and

pestilence, conquest and resultant assimilation or even

annihilation. Archaeologists continue the search for

evidence that may link the mound-building peoples with

one or another of several historic cultures, but in so far

as the Hopewell culture is concerned there appears to

be little to indicate affinity with another stock.

The known facts with respect to these questions may

be found in the various publications of the Ohio Archae-

ological and Historical Society, particularly in the

Archaeological History of Ohio, by Gerard Fowke. A

comparative study of the several cultures is contained in

a paper entitled The Culture Problem in Ohio Archae-

ology, by H. C. Shetrone, published in the American

Anthropologist, (n.s.), Volume XXII, 1920.

In addition to the Hopewell Group, the subject of

this report, other important groups of the Hopewell

culture which have been examined and reports of which

are available, are: the Harness Mound (Liberty

Group), the Seip Mound (Seip Group) and the Mound

City Group, Ross county; the Tremper Mound, Scioto

county; and the Turner Group, Hamilton county.

I

HISTORICAL DATA ON THE GROUP

The Hopewell Group of Prehistoric Earthworks is

situated in Union township, Ross county, Ohio, on the

North fork of Paint creek, a tributary of the Scioto

river.

While it is evident to the most casual observer that

the sites occupied by all important groups of the Hope-

well culture were carefully selected by their builders,

the location of the Hopewell Group is easily the most

impressive. The region corresponds to the glacial

moraine and presents the interesting phenomenon of

rugged unglaciated hills in close proximity to glacial

formations of almost equal size and impressiveness.

Admittedly the most important of the several groups

of earthworks of its particular class, it further shares

a foremost place in historic interest and attention with

the noted Mound City Group, a few miles to the east-

ward. From its pretentious size, its great number of

burial mounds and the relatively high culture status rep-

resented therein, this particular group assumes rank as

the metropolis of an important and interesting people

who, in addition thereto, were responsible for the erec-

tion of other similar groups of earthworks throughout

the valleys of southern Ohio; and since it was the first

of its kind to be definitely examined, it has come to be

accepted as the type group for its class of remains. The

designation "Hopewell", as bestowed on this group, in

honor of its owner, Captain M. C. Hopewell, has come

to serve as a family name for all remains of its class,

(8)

Explorations of the Hopewell Group        9

wherever found, and to their builders. Thus we have,

specifically, "The Hopewell Group", and generically, a

mound, a group of mounds, or an earthwork, of the

Hopewell culture; and, referring to their builders, the

Hopewell culture group.

Historic interest in the Hopewell Group has been

greatly stimulated by two partial examinations -- the

first by the pioneer explorers, Squier and Davis, and

that of Warren K. Moorehead. The remarkable ma-

terial accruing from these examinations directed atten-

tion of the archaeological world to the importance of the

group.

First serious consideration of the Hopewell Group

is to be credited to Caleb Atwater who, in 1820, pre-

pared a brief description and a map of the works.1

A more extended account, accompanied by a detailed

map, is that of Squier and Davis, in 1848. Their report

furnished a satisfactory description of the appearance

of the group, and it may be assumed that at the time of

their observations agricultural activities had not greatly

modified the original form of the mounds and earth-

works. As an introduction to the present examination,

covered in the following pages, their description, in part,

follows:2

CLARK'S WORK; NORTH FORK OF PAINT CREEK

"The work here presented * * * is situated on the

North fork of Paint creek, on the estate of W. C. Clark, Esq.,

and occupied the entire width of the second terrace, which here

presents a broad and level plain, of exceeding beauty and fertility.

1 Atwater, Caleb, Description of the Antiquities Discovered in the

State of Ohio, Transactions and Collections of the American Antiquarian

Society, Vol. I, 1820, p. 182.

2 Squier, E. G., and Davis, E. H., Ancient Monuments of the Mis-

sissippi Valley, Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge, Vol. I, p. 24-29.

10        Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications

Its general form is a parallelogram, twenty-eight hundred feet

by eighteen hundred, with one of its corners somewhat rounded.

On the side next the creek, it is bounded by a wall four feet

high, running along the very edge of the terrace-bank, and con-

forming to its irregularities; these, however, are slight. Its re-

maining sides are bounded by a wall and exterior ditch; the wall

is six feet high by thirty-five feet base, and the ditch of corre-

sponding dimensions. The lines ascend the declivity of the table

land back of the terrace, and extend along its brow, dipping into

the ravines and rising over the ridges into which it has been cut

by the action of water. Wherever the ravines are of any consid-

erable depth, the wall has been washed away; but in all cases

leaving evidences that it once extended uninterruptedly through.

The bank of the terrace is thirty, that of the table-land fifty feet

in height.

"The area thus enclosed is one hundred and eleven acres. To

the right of the principal work, and connecting with it by a gate-

way at its centre, is a smaller work of sixteen acres area. It is a

perfect square; its sides measuring respectively eight hundred

and fifty feet. It has gateways at the middle of each side, thirty

feet wide, and covered by small mounds, which are placed fifty

feet interior to the walls. There are gateways also at the two

outer corners, which are unaccompanied by mounds. The open-

ing which leads to the principal enclosure is twice as wide as

the others. The walls of the smaller work are much lighter than

those of the large one, and have no attendant ditch.

"Within the area of the great work, are two small ones: one

of them is a perfect circle, three hundred and fifty feet in diame-

ter, bounded by a single slight wall, with a gateway opening to

the west; the other is a semi-circular enclosure, two thousand

feet in circumference, bounded by a slight circumvallation and

ditch as represented in the plan. Within this last enclosure are

seven mounds; three of which are joined together, forming a

continuous elevation thirty feet high by five hundred feet long,

and one hundred and eighty broad at the base. * * * There

are other mounds at the points indicated in the plan, most of

which have been explored; with what results will appear in the

chapter on mounds. * * * Where the defences descend

from the table lands to the left, is a gully or torrent-bed, which,

before the construction of this work, kept the course indicated

by the dotted line x. It was turned by the builders from its

natural channel into the ditch, along which it still runs for a

considerable distance; but at one place it has broken over the

wall, obliterating it for nearly two hundred feet. It is dry at

most seasons of the year; and, unless much swollen by the rains,

Explorations of the Hopewell Group          11

keeps the course of the ditch, terminating in a deep gully, formed

by the flow of water from a copious and unfailing spring. This

gully is made to answer as a ditch, for the space yet intervening,

to the edge of the terrace. It is fifteen feet deep, by sixty or

seventy wide. * * *

"The gateways of this work are six in number; one opening

into the smaller enclosure to the east, two upon the table lands,

one to the spring first mentioned, and two others towards the

creek. Two considerable springs occur within the walls. It is

not necessary, however, upon the hypothesis already advanced in

respect to this work, to suppose its ancient population wholly

dependent upon these sources for their supply of water; inas-

much as it is very evident that many centuries have not elapsed

since the creek, now one hundred rods distant, washed the base

of the terrace upon which it stands. * * *

"The slight wall along the terrace bank is composed chiefly

of smooth, waterworn stones, taken from the creek, and cemented

together by tough, clayey earth. The wall of the square is wholly

of clay, and its outlines may be easily traced by the eye, from a

distance, by its color. It appears, as do the embankments of many

other works, to have been slightly burned. * * *"

It will be noted in their quoted description that

Squier and Davis conducted examinations of certain of

the Hopewell mounds, as evidenced in their statement

that "There are other mounds at the points indicated in

the plan, most of which have been explored; with what

results will appear in the chapter on the mounds". Their

final record of these, however, is rather indefinite. Spe-

cific mention is made of the examination of four small

mounds and it is probable that tentative examination

was made of some others of the tumuli.

THE MOOREHEAD EXAMINATION

Much more exhaustive, as will be noted in subse-

quent pages, was the examination of the Hopewell

mounds by Warren K. Moorehead. His explorations,

carried out in 1891-'92, were conducted for the Depart-

12      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications

ment of Anthropology of the World's Columbian expo-

sition. The vast amount of interesting material secured

was exhibited at the Exposition and is now in posses-

sion of the Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago.

His report, published some years later (1922) describes

the group as he found it, details the work of exploration

and illustrates the material therefrom.3

PRESENT EXAMINATION

Notwithstanding that partial examination by two

previous explorers presumably had exhausted the

greater number of the Hopewell mounds, and that many

years of cultivation had obliterated several of the

smaller mounds of the group, it was the sentiment of

the Ohio Archaeological and Historical Society that its

examination should be completed. Through the kind

offices of Mr. Albert C. Spetnagel, a Life Member and

an ardent supporter of the Society, exploration privi-

leges were graciously accorded by Mrs. M. C. Hope-

well, owner of the land upon which the group is situ-

ated. The work of examination was begun late in the

season of 1922, and was completed in August of 1925.

In keeping with the Museum's fixed policy of thor-

ough and exhaustive examination, it was decided to

carry out the exploration of the Hopewell group in the

same manner as though no previous partial examina-

tions had obtained. The need for such procedure was

emphasized by the fact that former examinations of

the group, in addition to being incomplete, were carried

3 Moorehead, Warren K., The Hopewell Mound Group of Ohio,

Field Museum of Natural History, Publication 211, Anthropological

Series, Vol. VI, No. 5.

Explorations of the Hopewell Group   13

out under difficulties which precluded the degree of thor-

oughness desirable in such work.

The additional labor in so large a group, which this

plan entailed, will be at once apparent. In order that

nothing might be overlooked and that complete floor

plans of each mound might be prepared, all mounds,

whether previously exammed or not, were to be ex-

plored. In several instances, it is true, former explora-

tions served to lighten the final examinations. For ex-

ample, after Professor Moorehead's partial examina-

tion of the great central mound of the group (No. 25)

the owner of the land had the entire structure graded

down to about one-half its former height. As a result

the present Survey, instead of having to raze a mound

of more than 20 feet in height, found it not to exceed

14 feet at its greatest altitude. However, the surplus

earth, which had been graded off the top and spread

along its lateral margins, proved to be something of a

handicap, for instead of our progress being through a

series of progressive cuts of the normal conical sections,

they were necessarily rectangular and scarcely less in

height toward their ends than at center. This resulted

in an unexpectedly high cubical content for the suc-

cessive sections across the body of the mound.

RECENT ASPECT OF THE GROUP

Squier and Davis' map of the Hopewell group shows

a total of 20 mounds which, while some of them do not

bear numbers, evidently were intended to be numbered

from 1 to 20. In his report, Moorehead, using the same

map, assigns missing numbers and adds five mounds --

18, 19, 20, 21 and 24. Our Survey was unable to verify

14      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications

the existence of mounds 18 and 19, although the land

corresponding to their map location was scrutinized

under every condition of cultivation. Mounds 21 and

22 are very small supernumerary mounds located out-

side the earthwork and upon the plateau to the north.

On the accompanying Map prepared by our Survey, the

numbering of these two mounds, for reasons which will

be apparent presently, is changed to 37 and 38. They,

with seven others first located by our Survey, are sup-

plemental in character as will be noted in a subsequent

page.

Since the map of Squier and Davis was drawn the

Baltimore and Ohio railroad has been constructed

through the group, effecting important changes therein.

The old highway, as depicted on their map, is quite ir-

regular in its course and passes directly over Mounds 9

and 10 and quite close to several others. However, in

the construction of the railroad, in 1852, the right-of-

way came to occupy in great part the old highway, which

in turn was thrown to the north side of the railway and

directly over and across Mounds 12, 6, 7 and 8. As

may be noted on the new Map the railroad and the high-

way, entering the group from the east, run parallel in a

straight course until well toward the western end of the

rectangular enclosure, where they swerve to the north

and pass out of the group some 200 feet to the north

of the old exit. This change, not noted in the Moore-

head report, has quite an important bearing upon the

group and accounts for the disappearance of several

mounds.

The only other changes of importance are those due

to erosion and cultivation, resulting in the gradual low-

Explorations of the Hopewell Group  15

ering of the several mounds and the earthen embank-

ments enclosing them.

As a result of careful scrutiny of the site previous

to and during final explorations, our Survey added

to the mounds shown on the earlier maps the following:

Mounds 21 and 22, two low structures in the north cen-

tral portion of the rectangular enclosure, which had

been despoiled by cultivation, the plow-line extending

to or below their bases; Mound 26, an important and

undisturbed tumulus lying adjacent to and just south

of the railroad, within the old orchard lot; Mound 27,

just east of Mound 20 -- a low mound which lay mostly

within the plow line; Mound 28, a low but undisturbed

tumulus at the extreme northern edge of the second ter-

race; Mound 29, a structure of some size just south of

the main spring, which, although not shown on earlier

maps, had been entirely explored; and Mounds 30 to 36,

inclusive, comprising, with Mounds 37 and 38, nine

small subsidiary mounds, lying entirely outside the en-

closures.

With regard to this total of 38 mounds for the

group, the Survey found the following conditions:

Mounds obliterated by railroad and highway: Num-

bers 6, 7 and 8 (in part); numbers 9, 10, 12 and 13.

Mounds destroyed by previous exploration and cul-

tivation, in some instances the sites being indeterminate,

and in others the mounds so low that their bases lay at

or below the plow-line: Numbers 1, 5, 14, 15, 16, 18,

19, 21 and 22.

Mounds found to have been partly explored: Num-

bers 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 23, 24, 25 and 27.

Mounds found to be undisturbed: Numbers 11, 17,

16       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications

20, 26 and 28; and subsidiary mounds numbers 30 to 36

inclusive.

Supplemental or subsidiary mounds (lodge-sites):

Mounds 30 to 38, inclusive. Numbers 37 and 38 were

noted by Moorehead and numbered as 21 and 22. They

had been examined by his survey. The remaining seven

were first noted by our Survey, and the results of their

examination will follow.

In the following pages an attempt is made to keep

an otherwise interminable report within bounds. In the

descriptions of individual burials certain characteristics

which are reasonably constant do not warrant repeti-

tion; for example, uncremated burials almost invariably

are extended upon the back. Where there is divergence

from the general rule in any respect, mention is made

thereof. The interested reader is asked to make use of

the floor-plan maps, on which the exact locations, di-

mensions, orientation and other pertinent data are reg-

istered. Detailed descriptions and measurements of

specimens will be found under Artifacts from the

Mounds.

II

THE MOUNDS AND THEIR CONTENTS

MOUND NUMBER 1

This small mound, located well toward the northeast

angle of the larger enclosure, is one of four examined

by Squier and Davis -- the three others being Numbers

2, 5 and 9. In their report (P. 157) they say:

"This mound, although one of the richest in contents, was

one of the smallest met with, being not over three feet in height.

Its deposit was first disturbed by the plow, some years ago, and

numerous singular articles were then taken from it. Upon in-

vestigation, in place of the altar, a level area ten or fifteen feet

broad was found, much burned, on which the relics had been

placed. These had been covered over with earth to perhaps the

depth of a foot, followed by a stratum of small stones, and an

outer layer of earth two feet in thickness. Hundreds of relics,

and many of the most interesting and valuable hitherto found,

were taken from this mound, among which may be mentioned

several coiled serpents carved in stone, and carefully enveloped

in sheet mica and copper; pottery; carved fragments of ivory;

a large number of fossil teeth; numerous fine sculptures in stone,

etc."

It is significant that the coiled serpent effigies (rep-

resentations of the rattlesnake) bore supposed feather

markings about the head, thus suggesting the plumed

serpent. Unfortunately, they were badly damaged when

removed.

At the Turner Group,4 in Hamilton county, Profes-

sor Putnam found a horned serpent effigy, in mica,

4 Willoughby, Charles C., and Hooton, Earnest A., The Turner

Group of Earthworks, Hamilton County, Ohio, Peabody Museum of

American Archaeology and Ethnology, Harvard University, Vol. VIII,

No. 3, 1922, p. 68.

The Turner Group was examined under the direction of Professor

Frederick Ward Putnam, Peabody Museum, Harvard University, begin-

ning in 1882 and continuing for several years thereafter. During the

greater part of the time the work was under the direct supervision of Dr.

Charles L. Metz, of Madisonville, Ohio. The report on exploration of

the Group was published subsequent to Professor Putnam's death.

Vol. XXXV-2.             (17)

18       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications

which in many respects closely resembles those discov-

ered by Squier and Davis.

On the site of Mound Number 1, now practically

obliterated, the present Survey picked up fragments of

carved bone and several sharks' teeth.

MOUND NUMBER 2

From the historic standpoint at least, Mound Num-

ber 2 is the most spectacular of the Hopewell tumuli. It

has the distinction of having bared its treasures to three

separate examinations, and of yielding bountiful results

to each. Squier and Davis, in 1845-'46 were the first

to probe its contents. They have this to say (p. 158):

"(The mound) is remarkable in being very broad and flat,

measuring at least 80 feet in diameter by but six or seven in

height. It has two sand strata; but instead of an altar, there

are two layers of disks chipped out of hornstone, some nearly

round, others in the form of spearheads. They are of various

sizes, but are for the most part about six inches long, by four

wide, and three-quarters of an inch or an inch in thickness. They

were placed side by side, a little reclining, and one layer resting

immediately on the other. Out of an excavation six feet long

by four feet wide, not far from six hundred were thrown. The

deposit extends beyond the limits of the excavation on every side."

Further examination of Mound Number 2 was con-

ducted by Moorehead in 1891, with the result that more

than 7,000 additional disks were recovered. This great

number, combined with those taken out by Squier and

Davis and some scattering lots in the hands of individ-

uals give a total, according to Moorehead's calculation,

of 8,185 disks.

After receiving such marked attention from explor-

ers, Mound Number 2 seemed to offer little to a third

examination. However, since no mention of either

burial or basin was made by former explorers, and since

20      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications

the impression seemed to prevail that the mound was

merely a heap of earth thrown over the great cache of

disks, it was believed that careful examination might

throw some light upon its purpose or significance. Fur-

thermore, it was felt that if a few of the flint disks

might be found, in situ, the work entailed would be justi-

fied.

Briefly, the results of this Survey's examination

were the finding of five burials, rich in artifacts; a

crematory basin; a number of flint disks, in place and

undisturbed; and upwards of 100 additional disks scat-

tered loosely through the mound. The floor plan of

the mound is shown as Figure 1.

Burials 1 and 2 occupied a common grave well out

toward the southeastern margin of the mound. The

remains, uncremated, (Fig. 2) lay extended upon their

backs, heads toward the west. They occupied a rude

rectangular platform or earthen fill extending about 6

inches above the floor, and were unaccompanied by any

special preparation. No log-molds indicative of the

usual timber enclosure were present, and the hard black

muck of which the mound mostly is composed had been

filled in directly upon the bodies, the depth of which

below the present surface of the mound was about 18

inches. Both skeletons, despite the lack of the usual

burial preparations, were in a fair state of preservation.

Skeleton Number 1 was that of a male apparently

about 25 years of age, exceptionally tall and strongly

built, the femur measurement being more than 19 inches

in length. In each hand was found a finely made cop-

per ear-spool, one of which was surfaced with silver

foil. A feature of this burial not understood when first

22       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications

Skeleton Number 2, lying alongside and to the south

of Number 1, was that of a young adult, apparently a

female, measuring approximately 5 feet 8 inches in

height. At the left hand of the skeleton lay about 100

well-made copper beads, with which were associated

woven fabric and bark. Near the left foot, and between

the feet of the two skeletons, lay a finely made copper

adze blade, showing plainly across its convex face where

a wide band, or withe, had secured it to the handle.

Just below the feet of Skeleton Number 2, but not

extending upward into the clay fill upon which the

bodies lay, was found a peculiar feature. A hole, in the

form of an inverted cone, 14 inches across the top and

15 inches deep, had been dug into the floor. This was

partly filled at the bottom with stones, and thence up-

ward with highly colored red and yellow burned clay.

When the mound earth had been removed from the floor

line this circular surface appeared as a colorful mosaic

set into it. It was apparent that the clay filling had been

taken from a crematory basin, as portions of it retained

the smooth burned surfaces characteristic of those re-

ceptacles. A second and exactly similar feature was

found five feet northwest from the above, while two ad-

ditional ones were located as shown on the plan. At a

distance of 10 feet southwest from the pit at the head

of Burial Number 1 was found another altogether sim-

ilar pit, filled with loose mold. Scattering post-molds

were noted as shown on the accompanying floor plan.

A Crematory Basin,⁵ (Fig. 3) measuring 44 inches

5 The characteristic basins found in mounds of the Hopewell cul-

ture have been designated as altars by several writers. Since with one or

two exceptions the surveys of this Society have not found them to con-

tain offerings, the most plausible explanation seems to be that they served

as places of cremation.

Explorations of the Hopewell Group  25

feet, 6 inches in height. Owing to the rather poor state

of preservation the sex of the individual was not def-

initely determinable. At the right side of the head lay

a finely preserved ocean-shell container; several thou-

sand beads of ocean shell were strewn over the head,

face, neck and shoulders; a copper plate lay under the

left shoulder and another under the hips; in each hand

was a copper ear-spool, while between the feet was

found a small carefully made copper axe. The depth

of the mound proper above this burial was two feet, and

the grave itself had been dug to a depth of one foot be-

low its base. This was the only burial of the entire

group which occupied a highly specialized stone grave,

although this type of burial was common at the Turner

Group.

Burial Number 4, located a few feet to the north

of Burial 3, contained the skeleton of a young adult of

about 5 feet 9 inches in height. The burial (Fig. 4)

was without noticeable preparation, and lay extended

upon the back with head to the south-east. At the base

of the skull lay a fine large copper plate; at the right of

the skull, a large ocean-shell container; many shell beads

and a few of pearl were strewn over the head and neck,

and in each hand lay a copper ear-spool. The skull was

removed intact.

Burial Number 5 was perhaps the most interesting

of Mound Number 2. It lay some 6 feet to the north of

Burial Number 4, and contained the skeleton of a very

old male of approximately 5 feet 10 inches in height

(Fig. 5). This individual apparently was a person of

importance, since the burial was unusually elaborate.

Explorations of the Hopewell Group   27

tinctly the marks of the flint knife employed in detach-

ing the scalp and tissues.

While the skeleton proper of this burial was badly

decomposed its skull, as well as the trophy skull, was in

an excellent state of preservation, as shown in the cut

(Fig. 6).

At the western margin of the central space ex-

cavated by former examination there was found a small

deposit of the flint disks (Fig. 7) for which this mound

is noted. These were five in number and had not been

disturbed. Two of these were placed horizontally and

the three others set upon edge against them. The pho-

tograph shows these disks in place, and also the floor

level, the vertical cut of the mound, and its top. A small

amount of coarse gravel placed around the disks and

the undisturbed gravel stratum beneath them may be

seen in the cut. A number of perfect and broken disks

-- perhaps 100 in all -- were found throughout the

mound.

Reference to the accompanying floor plan of Mound

Number 2 shows it to have been a much more interesting

and complicated structure than had been supposed. In ad-

dition to five burials, all rich in accompanying artifacts,

there will be noted the more or less regular plan of post-

molds which, in this mound, are unusually large and

deep, ranging in diameter from 6 inches to 10 inches,

and being from 3 feet to 3 1/2 feet deep. The several pits,

as that underneath the skull of burial Number 1, and

the conical depressions filled with colored earths, are

difficult to account for.

The central portion of the mound from which the

great deposit of disks was taken represented a circular

30       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications

one was a finished specialized implement. It was turned

over by Professor Moorehead to Mr. Hopewell, owner

of the mounds, and presented by Mrs. Hopewell to the

Museum at the close of the final explorations. This re-

markable specimen, which measures 9 inches in length

and 6 inches in width, is illustrated as Fig. 66.

MOUND NUMBER 3

Of this structure, Moorehead (p. 101) says:

"In this mound we found an altar whose contents had been

removed, probably by Squier and Davis, a copper celt, small

knives, and a few other objects."

The present Survey found Mound Number 3 to be

approximately 55 feet in diameter with an altitude of

30 inches. With the exception of a marginal strip 6

feet across, the mound had been entirely dug over. Well

out toward the north-west margin was uncovered a

basin of small size and poor construction, which had

been disclosed by former examinations, as it lay within

the disturbed area. At the south-east, an undisturbed

cremated burial was uncovered, lying just below the

plow line. It contained no artifacts.

The only development of value resulting from the

re-examination of Mound Number 3 was the finding

upon the floor within the disturbed area of two pottery

fragments of an unusual kind. One of these fragments,

2 inches across, is from the body of a medium-sized

vessel, while the other, of similar size, is a portion of

rim apparently from the same vessel. The paste of

which they are composed is of a uniform dark choco-

late, with a very slight tempering admixture of shell or

other calcareous matter, while the outer surfaces are

Explorations of the Hopewell Group    31

covered by a distinct slip varying in color from ocherous

to brick red. This surface appears to be the result of

intentional painting rather than an incidental accom-

paniment of firing. Paste, tempering material and sur-

face coloring all are foreign to, or at least very unusual

in, the Hopewell type of pottery, and closely resemble

ware of the south-western group. A large sherd from

this mound, and apparently from the same vessel, is in

the Hopewell collection at the Field Museum.

MOUND NUMBER 4

This structure lies just to the east of and almost

adjoins Mound Number 25. It was originally 6 feet in

height but at the time of final examination it measured

2 feet and 8 inches high at center and had a diameter

of approximately 45 feet. The entire central portion

had been dug over, as indicated on the map of the floor

plan (Fig. 8).

Although Moorehead makes no mention of Mound

Number 4 in his report, he describes its examination in

a preliminary paper printed in the Antiquarian.6 In

this article he states that the central portion of the

mound, 8 by 10 feet in size, had been excavated, pre-

sumably by Squier and Davis. He mentions the finding

by his survey of a perforated trophy skull, ocean shells,

and copper ornaments.

In the marginal strip left undisturbed the present

Survey found a total of 9 burials. The mound was not

a highly specialized one. The floor level was moder-

ately distinct and the body of the mound was composed

0 Moorehead, Warren K., The Hopewell Group, The Antiquarian,

Volume I, Columbus, 1897.

Explorations of the Hopewell Group  33

of rather homogenous soil, dark in color, with occa-

sional small amounts of gravel interspersed throughout

its mass. It was devoid of a crematory basin and none

of the burials showed a prepared grave or accompani-

ment of timber enclosure. A single one of the nine was

cremated and the usual custom of placing uncremated

remains upon the back with feet extended was carried

out.

Just within the southern border of the mound was

a pit, 2 1/2 feet across, and extending 4 feet beneath the

floor level. It contained dark soil and ashes.

A Bundle Burial -- one of the few found in the

entire group -- occurred at the south-west margin, just

below the plow line and 8 inches above the floor level.

It lay in a deposit of coarse gravel, and comprised long

bones representing two or more adult individuals, and

a single skull. An interesting feature was the ankylosis

of a tibia and its corresponding fibula, the bones being

securely united at two distinct points. The deposit was

accompanied by a copper ear-spool and a bone awl.

Burial Number 3 was that of a young adult of large

size, lying in a grotesque position, with arms and legs

"akimbo", unaccompanied by specimens. It is shown

in Figure 9, along with Burials 4, 5, 6 and 7.

Burial No. 4 lay in close proximity to Number

3, the knees of the latter almost touching the skull. It

likewise contained the skeleton of a large-sized young

adult. Its peculiar position -- head well down to the

floor level, pelvis higher, and knees and feet almost

reaching to the plow-line, -- was explained later when

a cremated burial was found directly beneath it, upon

Vol. XXXV--3.

Explorations of the Hopewell Group            35

copper ear-spools and a finely made perfect platform

pipe, of gray Ohio pipe-stone.⁷

Burial Number 8, cremated, was without artifacts.

Burial Number 9 comprised the skeleton of a young

adult of medium size, in a poor state of preservation.

At the head had been placed seven flake knives and a

notched arrow-point, all of handsome translucent

chalcedony. The burial lay well out toward the south-

west margin of the mound.

MOUNDS 5 AND 6

Previous explorations and long-continued cultiva-

tion have resulted in the complete demolition of these

tumuli. Squier and Davis' description of Number 5

(P. 156) follows:

"In this mound the altar was covered with stones; and in-

stead of the usual sand stratum, there was found a layer of large

flat stones, corresponding to it. The altar was composed of earth

elevated two and a half feet above the original level of the soil,

and was five feet long by three feet four inches broad, the sides

sloping at an angle of nearly 30 degrees. It was faced on the top

and on the sides with slabs of stone, quite regular in form and

thickness  * * *.   The altar bore the marks of fire, and a

few fragments of the moundbuilders' ornaments, a few pearl

beads, etc., were found upon and around it."

The employment of stone, as described, both as a

covering for the basin and in place of the gravel

stratum, is interesting and unusual.

7 The so-called Ohio pipe-stone is a highly indurated almost flinty

variety of fire-clay, occurring in extensive deposits in Scioto County,

Ohio. Its range of color is broad, the pink and red phases so closely re-

sembling the Minnesota catlinite as to be almost indistinguishable to the

novice. The material was extensively used by the Hopewell peoples and

to a lesser extent by other Ohio cultures. For particulars see Mills, Wil-

liam C., The Feurt Mounds and Village Site, Certain Mounds and Vil-

lage Sites in Ohio, Vol. III, Pt. 1.

36      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications

Mound Number 6 had entirely disappeared at the

time of the final examination. Never a large mound,

it has entirely yielded to cultivation and the construc-

tion of the highway which in part passes over it.

MOUND NUMBER 7

Of the four minor mounds (Number 5, 6, 7, and 8)

lying within the embankment enclosing Mound Number

25, the only one which in any degree had survived de-

struction was Mound Number 7, and even in this in-

stance the survival was more apparent than real. The

southern one-third of the structure had been obliterated

as a result of construction of the railroad, while the

one-third portion to the north was found to have been

completely examined. The central portion lying beneath

the highway seemed to offer possibilities, since the road-

bed, instead of being cut through the mound, had been

carried over it, with only a foot or two graded off its top.

Since the highway is little traveled and unimpor-

tant, permission to disturb the portion thereof imme-

diately overlying the mound was secured from the town-

ship commissioners, the only requirement being that the

Survey prepare a proper detour.

The principal result of the final examination of

Mound Number 7 was the light thrown on the charac-

ter of what proved to have been an important and un-

usual tumulus. As nearly as could be determined the

mound originally had been elongated, measuring 85 feet

from north to south and having a width of 75 feet. Its

recent height, alongside the highway, was 7 feet, and

apparently the original elevation had been something

near ten feet. Marking the outer margin of the mound

Explorations of the Hopewell Group   37

was a wall or circumvallation of stones and gravel, from

3 1/2 to 5 feet wide and from one foot to 20 inches in

height. Within this corral-like wall was a carefully pre-

pared floor level, strewn with gravel and sand. It was

found, however, that the sole purpose of the mound

proper was to cover a primary mound, occupying its

center.

This primary mound, or core of the large mound,

was elongated with the mound proper. Its width at

center was nearly 50 feet, while its length, owing to

disturbance, was indeterminate, but probably about 60

feet. Its outer margin and lower slope had been marked

by timbers and by a covering of flat stones, some of

them quite large. The upper slope and top were cov-

ered by a stratum of yellow sand.

Unfortunately, this interior mound had been exam-

ined by means, of a drift or cut carried in from the rail-

road grade at the south side. No definite record as to

who effected this examination is to be had, but it is un-

derstood that at the time of the construction of the

railroad, in 1852, numerous fine specimens were taken

from this mound. With one burial there was found an

elaborate head-plate of copper (Fig. 104). This speci-

men was secured by Mr. John Seip of Chillicothe who

many years later presented it to the Museum. The drift

carried into the interior of the primary mound had dis-

closed three separate burials, its only contents. The

locations of these graves were readily apparent to our

Survey, and the skeletal remains, which had been

thrown back into the trench, were recovered. These,

strangely enough, were perhaps the best preserved of

any secured in the entire Hopewell Group, despite the

38      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications

fact that they had been disturbed more than three-quar-

ters of a century previously and carelessly thrown

back into the mound. One skeleton in particular was

exceptionally large and strong, the bones indicating an

individual of well over six feet in height. A perfect

and finely preserved skull with lower jaw was recov-

ered, which appears to have been in the nature of a

trophy skull. A feature is the fact that the occipital

bone has been removed, apparently cut by a flint imple-

ment, and somewhat ground off along the resulting

edges. Two fragments of human skull (parietal) were

picked up in the loose earth of the trench which bear

neatly drilled holes, 1/8  inch in diameter. The skulls and

other bones of two of these disturbed burials were deeply

stained by copper, indicating that they were richly sup-

plied with specimens.

One of the three burials -- that at the north side of

the interior mound -- had not been completely removed.

Bones of the lower right leg and foot and finger bones

of the right hand remained in place. At the right foot

were found a number of shell and pearl beads, while at

the right hand lay an exquisite flint spear-point, 4 inches

long and 2 inches wide, fashioned from translucent pink

and white Flint Ridge chalcedony. A number of beads,

copper-covered buttons and other small objects were

found scattered through the disturbed soil.

It is interesting to note that not a single post-hole

nor a sign of fire or burning was to be seen in the whole

of Mound Number 7. It contained no crematory basin.

Explorations of the Hopewell Group      39

MOUNDS 8, 9, AND 10

Mound Number 8, closely adjoining Number 7 on

the west, was mostly destroyed by the highway. What

remained of it was examined by Moorehead, with scant

return (p. 102). Mounds 9 and 10 were entirely ob-

literated by the highway and by Squier and Davis' ex-

amination. Of Mound Number 9, they (p. 155) have

this to say:

"The altar, instead of occupying the center, is placed consid-

erably toward one side; and a layer of charcoal fills the corre-

sponding opposite side. Over the altar curves a stratum of sand,

and over the layer of charcoal another. This altar was the small-

est met with. It was round, not measuring more than 2 feet

across the top. It was nevertheless rich in remains."

Among the objects taken from this basin, they men-

tion several thin finely made blades of obsidian; taste-

fully cut scrolls of mica; woven fabric; fragments of

bone needles and gravers; pearl beads, and so forth.

MOUND NUMBER 11

Mound Number 11 was not examined by Moore-

head, owing to its location within the orchard lot, the

owner not caring to have the sod disturbed.

Our Survey found Mound 11 to be upward of 50 feet

in diameter and 18 inches in height at center. During

the course of its examination it was disclosed that at

some former time a test hole, 5 feet in diameter, had

been sunk at center, evidently without disclosing any-

thing. Another hole had been dug midway between

center and the north margin, which had disclosed a

small circular basin, 3 1/2 feet across and 3 inches deep.

This basin, burned to a red color to a considerable depth,

40      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications

apparently was one of the so-called "round altars" men-

tioned by Squier and Davis as occurring in other

mounds of the group. Apparently it had contained a

cremated burial, since charred human bones were found

alongside it and scattered from floor to top of mound.

Well out toward the south side of the mound the

Survey found an interesting and perhaps unique de-

posit. (Fig. 10.) Alongside a small and highly spe-

cialized crematory basin, measuring only 20 inches by

28 inches, lay a cremated human skeleton. It was that

of an adult, and the pelvis and vertebrae lay in place,

only partly consumed. With it were two sheets of mica

and a few pearl beads. Bordering this burial, to the

south, lay an extensive deposit of obsidian, mostly in

the rough, occupying a rounded rectangular space

measuring 6 feet by 7 feet. For the most part this de-

posit was such as would result from the manufacture

on a large scale of chipped implements -- flakes of every

size and shape, some of them as much as 4 inches long,

and very thin; chunks and small blocks of unworked

obsidian, a number of which (Fig. 11) showed definite

bruising and wear, presumably as a result of friction

one with another in the long journey incident to their

transportation from the far West. However, several

notched arrow-points which had been discarded either

as a result of defects, or from being broken in manu-

facture, and a number of cores (Fig. 12) from which

delicate flake knives had been thrown off, were in the

mass. Further, there were found portions of two

figures cut from mica, and a cut and polished specimen

of green chlorite. This specimen is flat on its base, and

oval above, in form an elongated cabochon. The de-

Explorations of the Hopewell Group   43

posit of obsidian, which is believed to be from the Yel-

lowstone Park district, weighs close to 300 pounds. The

finding of so great an amount of raw obsidian seems to

justify the surmise that the fine obsidian implements

found in Mound 25 by the former survey were fash-

ioned on the site of the Hopewell Group.

Encircling the cremated burial and the deposit of

obsidian was a row of stones, widely spaced, with an

opening toward the basin.

MOUNDS 12, 13, 14, 15 AND 16

With the exception of Number 16, all these have

been entirely obliterated. The site of Number 16 is still

evident, but examination showed that the plow-line has

reached and mostly destroyed its base level or floor.

MOUND NUMBER 17

In the extreme north-east corner of the large en-

closure, at the very foot of the terrace leading to the

plateau, is a small mound, at the time of these explora-

tions almost undiscernible. This mound, shown on the

map of Squier and Davis, without number, is designated

by Moorehead as Number 17. In the latter's report (p.

90) is a description of its examination. However,

Moorehead clearly confused this mound with another

(see description of Mound No. 29) or rather, erred in

the matter of designating on his map the number of the

mound in question.

The present Survey found Mound Number 17 to be

altogether undisturbed, and the most prolific in results,

44       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications

aside from Mound Number 25, of any of the entire

group. Its apparent height was not above six inches,

and except when its surface was freshly plowed its lo-

cation was difficult to determine. At best, the mound

appeared to be merely a part of the lower slope of one

of the many spurs which project from the terrace

declivity into the plain below. However, it proved to

be actually 18 inches in height, the apparent lower alti-

tude being due to the filling in around it of detritus from

the slope above, as the result of erosion, the original

level of the surrounding surface thus being elevated at

least one foot.

The mound was composed of the clayey loam of the

surrounding surface with some admixture, here and

there, of gravel. The floor, (Fig. 13) not particularly

well defined, had an extent of about 38 feet north and

south, by 32 feet. A few scattered stake-holes, but no

post-molds, were present. There were no burials of

human remains. Instead, the mound seems to have been

erected over the site of two distinct and important sac-

rificial or ceremonial offerings of artifacts.

Ceremonial Offering Number I, south of its cen-

ter, occupied an oval space 5 feet by 7 feet, alongside

and partly filling a rectangular basin of typical form,

measuring 22 by 26 inches. Perhaps a cubic yard of

the peculiar yellowish-green clay so often associated

with burials and deposits of the Hopewell type had been

placed upon the oval space mentioned, and upon and in-

termixed with this were the following objects:

A large beautifully carved platform pipe, of steatite, each

end of the stem representing the head of the wild duck, the necks

running back and intertwining around the bowl; a very large plain

46        Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications

platform pipe, of drab Ohio pipestone; 10 plain platform pipes,

and fragments of 10or more others, of Ohio pipestone; a hollow

(boatshape) ceremonial in the image of the eagle, finely exe-

cuted, eyes set with pearls, Ohio pipestone; hollow image, head

and neck of the crow, made from black shale; 2 small saucer-

shaped dishes, finely made, of micaceous stone (so-called gold-

stone); 2 large disks, or discoidals, of fine-grained sandstone; 3

cones, of chlorite and gold-stone; 2 goigets, of green chlorite;

6 large tablets, of Laurentian slate; 2 bar-like gorgets, of slate;

a long slender plummet, of granite; 2 large finely made rings, of

slate; a large obsidian spear-point; 2 large discoidal-like speci-

mens, made from transparent quartz crystal; a copper perforator,

resembling a 20-penny spike; 2 heavy copper anklets or bracelets;

a large copper axe; a copper pendant, circular, with bosses; a

human head, in the round, made from copper; 10 cup-shaped ob-

jects of copper; a small perforator of meteoric iron; buttons,

beads, arrow- and spear-points of flint; sharks' teeth, carved

bone fragments, a copper ear-ornament, a silver-covered button,

potsherds; many pieces and chunks of graphite, foliated or

micaceous hematite, "gold-stone", and so forth. At the center

of the deposit there had been placed a large circular plate, worked

from a peculiar "cone-in-cone" stone, which had become badly

deteriorated. With the deposit there was a remarkable series of

celts, or ungrooved axes, from 1 1/2 to 15 inches in length. Sev-

eral of the larger of these celts weigh 5 to 6 pounds each. The

materials from which these implements are made include granite,

gabbro, slate, and so forth. Most of them are very carefully

made, while others resemble digging tools, one of which shows the

mark of the thong by which it was attached to its handle, mattock-

like.

Many of the finer specimens among the above were

undamaged, while others had been intentionally broken.

Fortunately, with a few exceptions it was possible to

recover all portions of specimens, and to effect restora-

tions. The more interesting of the specimens from this

cache are shown in the cuts.

There was evidence of considerable burning in con-

nection with this cache, and a good deal of charcoal and

charred wood were in the deposit. However, it ap-

pears that the burning had not taken place where the

Explorations of the Hopewell Group       49

Other objects of the cache are: Spatulas of bone, mostly

broken; numerous fragments of potteryware, mostly utility; cut

strips of mica and fragments of designs; 3 flint-flake knives; 10

bear claws; 2 hammer-stones of granite; 3 granite celts; 2 elon-

gated specimens of granite, use unknown; a club-shaped imple-

ment of sandstone; a fine bar-shaped ornament of chlorite; a

rare cup-shaped ornament of crystal quartz; 3 boat-shaped orna-

ments, perforated, made from large quartz crystals; 3 bar-shaped

ornaments of Ohio pipestone; 6 bar-like objects of chlorite; 15

gorgets, tablets, and so forth, of chlorite; 2 notched and decorated

specimens of green chlorite; 30 cone-shaped specimens of

chlorite; 50 cones made from pyrite nodules; and a finely made

grooved axe.

The finding of a grooved axe in a mound of the

Hopewell culture is probably unique; and there appear

to be only two or three authenticated instances of the

finding of this implement in mounds of any culture in

Ohio. The cones of pyrite (Fig. 118) are extremely

unusual and interesting.

As in Deposit Number 1, specimens in the second

cache were ceremonially broken up, but to a lesser de-

gree. Something near one-half the total number were

undamaged or slightly broken, while most of the others,

broken in two or more parts, were readily restored.

While several fragments of human skull were identified

with this cache, it, like Deposit Number 1, appears not

to have been accompanied by cremation of human re-

mains.

MOUNDS 18 AND 19

On the map prepared by the present Survey are

shown Mounds 18 and 19, as located on Moorehead's

map. However, our Survey was unable to determine

even the sites of these mounds, although the field was

under cultivation and was scrutinized under every pos-

sible condition. Present and former tenants of the farm

Vol. XXXV-4.

50       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications

had no recollection of mounds having existed at the

points shown on the earlier map.

Of the two mounds, Moorehead says (p. 92):

"It (No. 18) was found to be about 75 feet longest diameter

by 55 feet east and west, and 3 feet 8 inches in height. There

was an altar in it, the base of which was 1 foot 4 inches long by

1 foot 3 inches in width and 2 3/4 inches deep. * * * In this

mound there were some incised human maxillaries, a platform or

monitor pipe, and various layers of different colored earth."

"The men dug out No. 19, which appears to have been dis-

turbed. This was a small mound 54 by 53 feet and 3 feet high.

It contained a rude stone layer and an altar of clay, in the de-

pression of which were carbonized bones, some human, some

mica and galena, fragments of bone implements and two flake

knives. The altar was taken out entire. As it was only partly

burnt and not much harder than sun-dried brick, no little diffi-

culty was experienced in removing it. It was not shipped, and

still lies in the mound, boxed, and covered with 3 feet of earth."

MOUND NUMBER 20

Of this mound Moorehead (p. 94) says "(it) is one

of a group of four, numbered 9, 10, 11 and 20, which

form almost a square." He also records its examina-

tion.

It is clear, however, that this structure is a victim

of mistaken identity, since our Survey found it to be

undisturbed. The most plausible explanation, viewed

in the light of completed explorations and borne out by

recollections of old inhabitants, is that a low mound

(27) lying outside the orchard to the east, and not far

removed from the actual Number 20, is the mound de-

scribed in Moorehead's report. There can be no error

in our identification of Mound Number 20, since Moore-

head accepts its location as shown on the Squier and

Davis map, and so numbers it on his own; however, he

makes no mention, as such, of the mound above referred

Explorations of the Hopewell Group  53

eral extent of 5 feet. With the remains were found two

copper ear-spools, and an unusual copper object (Fig.

117) in the form of conjoined tubes, each of which en-

closes a tubular bone.

Burial Number 2 was that of an uncremated elderly

adult, rather badly decomposed. It lay extended upon

the back, head to the north-east. It was unaccompa-

nied by artifacts.

Burial Number 3 comprised the cremated remains

of an adult, the charred bones being strewn along the

right side of Burial 2, reaching from neck to knee.

The Basin of this mound lay to the south-east, par-

allel with Burials 2 and 3. It measured 17 inches by 22

inches, and was well made and sharply outlined. The

location of the mica sheets was well out toward the

north-west margin of the mound.

MOUNDS 21 AND 22

These were two very small mounds, located at north

center of the large enclosure. They were hardly notice-

able except when the surface was freshly plowed. Ex-

amination showed that cultivation had extended to and

below their base levels and had completely obliterated

any burials which they may have contained.

MOUND NUMBER 23

With the exception of Mound Number 25, this was

the largest tumulus of the Hopewell Group. Its di-

mensions at the time of Moorehead's examination

are given as 150 feet long and from 10 to 12

feet high. Its width, as nearly as could be determined

by the present Survey, was a trifle less than 55 feet,

and the height had been reduced to less than three

54      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications

feet. Tests showed that with the exception of the

western one-third, the mound had been pretty thor-

oughly examined by the former survey and, the field

being in corn, the final examination was confined to this

unexplored portion. Beginning at the western end, ex-

ploration was carried forward the entire width of the

mound for a distance of 50 feet. At 40 feet in, the

examination came upon the disturbed area. The un-

disturbed portion of the mound was composed of grav-

elly loam until a primary mound, which lay mostly

within the disturbed area, was reached. This interior

mound was composed of highly colored mottled earths,

perhaps the most striking seen in any mound of the

group. The floor or base level throughout was well

defined, was covered with sand, and bore scattering

post-molds. Two burials only were encountered by our

Survey -- the western end of the tumulus being almost

destitute of graves.

Burial Number 1, located near the north margin

some 30 feet in from the west end, was a cremation, with

which were placed a pair of copper ear ornaments and

a finely preserved container, made from an ocean shell.

Three large flat stones had been set up around the

burial.

Burial Number 2 contained the uncremated skele-

ton of a middle-aged individual -- the smallest adult

found in the entire group. Although the skeleton was

poorly preserved, precluding exact measurement, it was

evident that it represented a person of less than 5 feet

in height. This burial lay within the primary mound,

the greater portion of which had been examined by

Moorehead. The body had been placed upon a bed of

Explorations of the Hopewell Group  55

bark and was surrounded by small timbers. With it

were found a copper ear-spool in each hand; a long flat

pierced bodkin or needle, of bone, and a portion of a

rounded bone awl, at the left femur; a finely fashioned

flint-flake knife at the head and a similar specimen at

the left hand.

Around the margin of Mound 23 was the typical

wall of stones and gravel, while throughout the body

of the structure there extended two or more ceremonial

strata of sand and fine gravel.

More than 50 burials and two basins were discovered

by Moorehead during his examination of this mound.

A number of these burials -- perhaps 10 or 12 -- ap-

parently were of an intrusive nature. A number of in-

teresting specimens accompanied the burials, among

which were some unusual examples of human jaws cut

and perforated for ornaments or trophies; several pipes,

and many copper plates, pearl beads, and so forth. The

most striking finds of the mound, however, were a cop-

per spud, 12 inches long and weighing 17 pounds (Fig.

47) and a unique dish or bowl, of white limestone, 14

inches in diameter and weighing 12 pounds (Fig. 56).

MOUND NUMBER 24

In his report Moorehead describes the examination

of Mound 24, and appends a floor plan thereof, but fails

to show its location on his map. The mound was identi-

fied, however, through the finding in an unrecorded

mound of the disturbed graves as shown on his floor

plan. It is situated a short distance north-west of

Mound 3, with which and Number 2 it forms a triangle.

It is so located on our map.

56      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications

Our Survey found this mound to be 50 feet in diame-

ter and 30 inches in height. It was composed uniformly

of a clay loam, and rested upon a distinct floor made

by plastering over the original surface two inches of

black muck or marl, presumably from one of the nearby

spring runs.

It was found that the southern one-half of this

mound had been but slightly disturbed and examination

thereof revealed a small finely made crematory basin

measuring 22 inches by 28 inches; three typical cre-

mated burials, with one of which was a copper ear-spool

and sheets of mica; and two additional burials -- one of

which was cremated -- which appear to have com-

prised parts of the skeletal remains of one and the same

individual. The uncremated remains consisted entirely

of the lower portion of the skeleton, from the hips down-

ward, in place and undisturbed; while at a distance of

3 feet lay the cremated burial, only partly consumed

and consisting entirely of bones of the skull and upper

parts of the body. Comparison of the remains in the

two deposits indicates that they pertain to the same

person.

Moorehead's examination of this mound revealed

several burials, with one of which were placed a trophy

skull and various artifacts.

Explorations of the Hopewell Group   57

MOUND NUMBER 25

Mound Number 25, formerly known as the "Effigy

Mound" is by far the largest and the most important of

the Hopewell group. Its original dimensions, according

to Squier and Davis, were 500 feet long, 180 feet wide

and 33 feet high. At the time of Moorehead's examina-

tion the maximum height of the mound was 23 feet, its

length 550 feet and its width 220 feet. His estimate of

the original area covered by the mound is 400 feet by

160 feet.

Divergence of opinion as to the lateral extent of a

mound is inevitable, since no two persons would agree

exactly as to where its margins terminate. Obviously,

the external dimensions and extent of the structure are

unimportant, except in so far as they may furnish clues

as to its original form. Internal dimensions, or extent

of floor space, however, generally are unchanged and

available through complete examination, and in the case

of Mound 25 these were definitely determined by our

Survey.

Mound Number 25 (Fig. 18) was found to cover an

elliptical floor surface approximately 470 feet long and

130 feet maximum width. This prepared floor level

was enclosed, corral-like, by a ridge or circumvallation

composed of stones and coarse gravel, (Figs. 19 and

20) varying from 18 inches to 3 feet in height and hav-

ing a lateral extent of from 10 to 16 feet. The interior

aspect of this encircling wall was as abrupt as practical

construction would permit, while the outer descent, from

its crest to the surface level, was an easy decline repre-

senting at least two-thirds of the total width of the wall.

60       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications

Upon this slope, at several points, were evidences of the

activities of its builders. A definite surface was noted,

upon which were the remains of fires, accompanied by

considerable charred matter. This was particularly

true of the western end of the mound, where consider-

able quantities of quartz crystal fragments, chips of

flint and obsidian, and so forth, were strewn about.

Although our examination disclosed 95 feet of un-

disturbed floor intervening between the extreme west-

ern end of the mound and Moorehead's westernmost

cut (No. 4), the sole result was the finding of two post-

molds and a small fire-place. As in Mound Number 23

-- the next larger of the group -- the westernmost one-

fourth of the structure was devoid of burials. A care-

fully prepared floor level obtained throughout this

sterile section, but there were no primary or interior

mounds, in which it later developed most burials of the

tumulus occurred.

The location and extent of Moorehead's western-

most cut is shown on the accompanying floor plan (Fig.

21). Of this section his report (p. 113) says:

"Section 4. Skeleton 262 was found only 18 inches below

the surface. A large stone celt lay near the neck. It is highly

probable that it was an intrusive burial. Skeleton 263, that of a

child, was found near the surface on the north side. Skeleton

276 was found on the base line. There were no objects with it.

The floor of this section presented the same appearance as that

of sections 2 and 3, being burned hard, but no platforms sur-

rounded by trenches were found."

From this description, it appears that Section 4

yielded to the former survey a single burial attributable

to the builders of the mound. However, as will be noted

on the floor plan, a total of eight additional burials,

Explorations of the Hopewell Group   61

three of which were rich in artifacts, were discovered

by the present Survey in this disturbed section. Three

of these lay just outside the southern limit of the old

cut, while the five others lay in close proximity beneath

a stratum of hard gravel slightly more than one foot

above the floor. It is evident that this cement-like cov-

ering was mistaken for the floor, a circumstance which,

under the handicap attending the work, is not surpris-

ing.

Throughout our examination photographs and

drawings of the wall of the mound, corresponding to

the various cuts, were made and careful measurements

were placed upon the field map. The cut at the 100-foot

line (Fig. 22) shows the entire wall across the body of

the mound; the margins of the old cut where it inter-

cepted the floor level and passed upwards, the markings

of the undisturbed portions at either end being in strong

contrast to the mixed homogeneous soil of the central

disturbed portion; the cuts through the stone wall at

either end, with their characteristic overlying strata of

gravel; and the clean original outer slopes of the mound.

The position, orientation and location of all burials

are shown on the accompanying floor plan; and in order

to avoid tiresome details of minor importance, only

those burials of unusual interest will be described in

detail.

Burials I and 2, adults, lay 4 1/2 feet above the floor

and 2 1/2 feet below the present surface of the mound.

They, with Number 3, were the only burials disclosed

which were not upon the base line. Both 1 and 2 had

been placed upon a bed of gravel, presumably at the

same time. With Number 1 were several hundred pearl

Explorations of the Hopewell Group  63

beads, at the neck; 2 copper ear-spools under the head;

and six large bear canines, three of which were cut or

sawed into two parts. Burial 2 was without artifacts.

Both skeletons were badly deteriorated.

Burial Number 3 lay 6 feet above the floor, upon a

bed of gravel; adult, badly deteriorated. Stones, both

large and small, were placed at the head and feet; on

the chest was a large saucer-shaped gorget of marine

shell, and on the forearms numerous beads of small

univalve shells. None of the above burials was in-

trusive.

Burial Number 4, cremated, was of unusual inter-

est. The charred bones, those of a massive adult, lay

toward the north-west corner of a raised earthen plat-

form measuring 7 feet by 4 1/2 feet. At the south end of

the platform lay two shield-shaped ornaments of mica;

four thin copper figures resembling in form a modern

tobacco pipe; and an elaborate curved head-plate of

copper, decorated with cut-out conventional designs.

Burial Number 5 comprised portions of a skeleton

which had been disturbed by the plow. With it was a

stone celt. Possibly intrusive.

Burial 6 and 7 -- These burials, (Fig. 23) occu-

pying a common grave, were richly supplied with arti-

facts and in several respects exhibited features probably

unique in Ohio mound exploration. They lay extended

upon the back, heads to the south-west, with a space of

three feet intervening between them. The skeletons

lay upon a heavy bed of bark, placed directly upon the

floor. The skeleton of Number 6 (to the south) was that

of a young male of about 5 feet 11 inches in height, and

of striking massiveness and muscularity. At the head,

66       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications

copper plates; in each hand two copper bracelets of

unusual form; and at the neck, as in the companion

burial, two copper skewers similar to but not quite as

long as those with Skeleton Number 6.

The most striking feature, however, of these com-

panion burials, is that the skull of each was supplied

with an artificial nose of copper. This (Fig. 24) was

effected by inserting into the nostrils funnel-shaped

copper tubes of about 2 1/2 inches in length, having the

outer openings made to correspond to the nostril aper-

tures. These copper noses were firmly imbedded in place

in both skulls, and afford striking imitations of the orig-

inal features. The copper noses doubtless were post-

mortem insertions, and if one wished to indulge in sur-

mise it is easily conceivable that the Hopewell builders,

obviously familiar with human anatomy and thus re-

alizing that the nasal appendage quickly decomposes

after death, supplied this young couple with imperish-

able noses, that they might not pass into the beyond

lacking these useful and ornamental facial features.

Number 8, the remaining burial of this particular

group, was that of a cremated individual, without arti-

facts.

The puzzling situation resulting from the finding of

this group of burials at practically the center of the old

cut was difficult to clear up. What otherwise would

have been easily apparent was complicated by the ir-

regular disturbance of the former examination in this

portion of the mound. As nearly as could be deter-

mined, however, the group of five burials, in close prox-

imity and occupying a space not more than 15 feet

across, had been covered by a low mound not exceeding

Explorations of the Hopewell Group   67

one foot in height which, in turn, had received a thin

covering of clay and gravel. This covering stratum

had become highly indurated and closely resembled the

floor proper of the mound, for which it apparently was

mistaken. Unlike other interior mounds of the struc-

ture, that covering this westernmost group of burials

lacked the definite circumferential line of post-molds as

well as the log structures enclosing individual graves.

There were, indeed, large outlying log-molds, suggest-

ing a charnel house for the several burials, but these

had been mostly obliterated by the former examination.

In the absence of individual log structures there was

nothing to indicate the presence of the several graves

until their contents were disclosed through removal of

the hard-packed earth above them.

Continuation of our examination disclosed, 175 feet

in, the margin of what proved to be the most important

of several primary or interior mounds of the main struc-

ture. Moorehead's westernmost cut had touched upon

its western edge (see floor plan), intercepting a single

burial; his Section 3 had cut through its center and his

Section 6 corresponded to its eastern end. This great

interior mound was 135 feet from east to west and 75

feet in width.

Burials 9 and 10, the first discovered in the large

interior mound, were uncremated adults, with only

minor artifacts accompanying them. The grave of

Number 10, however, was an interesting example of the

timber structures characteristic of Hopewell burials.

It measured 7 1/2 feet long by 3 1/2 feet wide and was com-

posed of exceptionally large timbers, some of which

were above 6 inches in diameter. At each corner there

68      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications

had been set a post, for support of the structure, while

exteriorly there had been driven stakes to hold the three

tiers of logs in place.

At the point shown on the floor plan there was

found an extensive log-mold, the timber of which had

been burned. In the resulting ashes were found numer-

ous beads, bear canines, fragments of mica and so forth.

Burial Number II comprised the skeleton of a mid-

dle-aged individual 5 feet 8 inches in height. The raised

earthen platform on which it lay was enclosed by a pre-

tentious log structure, two logs deep, which measured

10 feet long by 6 feet wide. The logs were held in place

by small posts at the corners and by stakes and large

stones at the ends and sides exteriorly. While most

burials of the mound had coverings of bark on which

the body was laid, in this burial (Figs. 25-26) the plat-

form had a covering of fine gravel to a depth of one

inch. At the left center of the platform was a large

ocean shell container; at the lower left were eight large

bone awls made from leg-bones of the deer, sticking up-

right in the platform; in the left hand were two copper

ear ornaments, and in the right hand six incisor teeth

of the bear, perforated for beads. At each ear was a

copper ear-spool, and at the neck and wrists numerous

pearl beads. At right center of the platform were two

large copper breast-plates while at the neck were four

very large canines, two of them cut with a mitred joint

and set with pearls.

At the top of the skull lay an elaborate head-dress

which consisted primarily of a rectangular curved head-

plate, with large oval copper wings on either side. This

bird-like head-dress had been assembled on a saucer-

72       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications

fabric had been sewed large pearl beads, bear claws,

bird feathers and the head of a small raptorial, pre-

sumably a hawk. This remarkable head-dress, which

was in unexpectedly good condition, is shown in Fig.

106.

An interesting detail of the process of building the

mound was the finding, adjacent to Burial Number 11,

of a "load" of component earth in its carrying basket.

Evidently the load of earth, consisting of about 30

pounds of light-colored clay, had been added to the thou-

sands of others composing the great structure, "basket-

and-all". The clods of earth surrounding this load of

earth, with their imprint of the basket weave, were care-

fully turned back, and together with the load itself were

photographed, as shown in Fig. 27. The material of

the receptacle, of which only the imprint remained, re-

sembles more closely a coarse angularly woven fabric

rather than true basketry.

Burial Number 12 -- A good illustration of the

caving down of earth above a grave following the decay

of the enclosing timber structure is shown in this burial

(Fig. 28). The arch-like opening in this case was 7 feet

long and 4 1/2 feet wide, extending about 6 feet above the

floor level. It was not unusual to find this loose arched

condition extending practically to the top of the mound,

in some instances more than 10 feet above the base.

With this burial -- the skeleton of a medium sized

adult in early middle life -- were found, at the neck, a

large number of seed pearl beads; copper plates beneath

the right shoulder and the knees; and a short copper

tube, enclosing slender reeds, in the left hand.

Burial Number I3 comprised the skeleton of a

74       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications

young adult of less than average height. It was the

only burial disclosed by our Survey in which the body

had been laid upon a bed of charcoal, carefully spread

over a bed of gravel covering the burial platform. With

this burial, at each hand, was a large copper helmet-like

curved head-plate, while at the wrists were a few pearl

beads.

RARE FINDS OF FORMER SURVEY

With the continuation eastward of the work of ex-

ploration, the second of five trenches or cuts made by

the former survey was encountered. The form, size

and location of this and others of the old cuts are shown

on the accompanying floor-plan of the mound. It was

in this cut, corresponding closely to the center of the

great interior primary mound, that the Moorehead sur-

vey made its most impressive finds. These consisted of

the noted deposit of copper designs and figures, placed

apparently as a votive offering within the body of the

mound; a remarkable offering of copper implements,

placed with a double burial on the floor of the structure;

and a "cache" of miscellaneous objects found within a

so-called altar, or basin.

The location of the deposit of copper designs, since

it lay well above the floor-line, could only be approx-

imated by our Survey from the presence in the disturbed

earth of numerous fragments and scales of copper. Of

this interesting find Moorehead says (p. 109):

Near the center of the section, four feet from the base line,

were found 120 pieces of sheet copper. They were all laid flat,

and occupied a space three feet long and two feet wide, with

layers of bark above and below. There were no skeletal remains

connected with this deposit, nor was any altar found near it.

* * * Many of the plates were worked into various patterns.

Very few of them were of forms known to exist in Ohio, the