Indian Mound Tradition

The Indian Mound Tradition refers to the practice among Native American cultures of constructing large earthen mounds for ceremonies, burials, and communal gatherings. These mounds, built with soil and other materials, served as sacred sites that reflected social hierarchy, spiritual beliefs, and community identity. Some mounds, like those at Cahokia, were among the largest pre-Columbian structures in North America. The tradition demonstrates advanced engineering and the importance of spirituality and societal organization in indigenous cultures, offering insight into their sophisticated ways of life and reverence for the land.