Native American Effigy Mounds

Native American effigy mounds are earthen structures built by Indigenous peoples, primarily in the Midwest United States, between 500 BCE and 1700 CE. These mounds are shaped like animals, figures, or symbols and served various purposes, including religious ceremonies, burial sites, or territorial markers. Each effigy reflects the cultural beliefs and practices of the tribes that created them. The mounds are significant archaeological sites today, offering insights into the social and spiritual lives of Native Americans. Sites like Cahokia and the Effigy Mounds National Monument protect these historical treasures and promote understanding of Native American heritage.