Observations On The Aboriginal Monuments Of The Mississippi Valley (1847)

Observations On The Aboriginal Monuments Of The Mississippi Valley is a book written by Ephraim George Squier in 1847. The book is a comprehensive study of the ancient monuments and artifacts of the Native American tribes that inhabited the Mississippi Valley region. Squier was an American archaeologist, ethnologist, and journalist who was fascinated by the pre-Columbian history of the United States. The book is divided into five parts, each focusing on a different aspect of the ancient monuments. The first part provides an overview of the geography and history of the Mississippi Valley region, as well as a brief history of the Native American tribes that lived there. The second part describes the various types of mounds and earthworks found in the region, including burial mounds, temple mounds, and defensive earthworks. The third part of the book examines the artifacts found in the mounds, such as pottery, stone tools, and copper ornaments. Squier provides detailed descriptions and illustrations of each artifact, as well as theories about their origins and uses. The fourth part of the book discusses the symbolism and religious significance of the monuments and artifacts, drawing on both archaeological evidence and Native American oral traditions. The final part of the book is a series of appendices that provide additional information on topics such as the history of mound building, the physical characteristics of the Native American tribes, and the languages spoken in the region. Overall, Observations On The Aboriginal Monuments Of The Mississippi Valley is a groundbreaking work that helped to establish the field of American archaeology and deepen our understanding of the pre-Columbian history of the United States.The Character Of The Ancient Earthworks, And The Structure, Contents, And Purposes Of The Mounds, With Notices Of The Minor Remains Of Ancient Art.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.