A Fascinating Study: The development of Effigy Mounds

Lesson Plan Text:

Introduction/Background: Beginning in approximately 1000 AD, a new culture arose known as ¿Effigy Mound¿. This people lived in the southern two-thirds of Wisconsin and are known for their elaborate effigies, or grave markers placed over the dead. These burial mounds were often in the shapes of animals or spirits. Others were simply long linear embankments with no distinctive features. The early discoveries of these mounds were very puzzling to early explorers, and much investigation led to the belief that early Native Americans in Wisconsin created these mounds.

Lesson Objectives: Students will be able to:
1. Understand the reasons behind effigy mounds
2. Hypothesize about the creation of burial mounds
3. Read a historical account and analyze its findings

Information/Resources:
Current map of Wisconsin
Images--Photographs of Effigy Mounds
Article--"Notes respecting certain Indian Mounds and Earthworks, in the form of Animal Effigies..."-- The first careful investigation of Wisconsin mounds, published in 1838
Information page-- Answers to questions about mounds from Burial Sites Preservation Program

Suggested Activities:
1. Begin by showing students pictures of effigy mounds

2. Have them attempt to explain what these might be

3. After several guesses, explain that these are ancient burial mounds created by early inhabitants of Wisconsin.

a. Why would a group of people create these?
b. What purpose do they serve?
c. How does this relate to how we bury our dead today?

4. Explain that when early explorers came upon these mounds they were confused as to what they were.

5. Read ¿The first careful investigation of Wisconsin mounds is published in 1838¿

6. Discuss the thoughts and findings of these investigators.

7. Have students create their own effigy mound

a. What shape would it be in and why?
b. What might you want to have buried with you?

8. Have students present their mounds to class with an explanation as to why they chose what they did.

9. As a separate internet activity, there are two options:

a. Link to Wisconsin Historical Sites: answers about mounds from the Burial Sites Preservation program
b. Link to Aztalan State Park; several links will lead to a study of the mounds, pictures and other relevant information regarding burial mounds

10. Finally, a visit to Aztalan State Park would be an outstanding way to see effigy mounds up close.

Conclusion: The effigy mounds culture of Wisconsin was a fascinating early group in Wisconsin. Their use of unique burial mounds is a great piece of history that we can still see today. The creation and study of effigy mounds give us a wonderful opportunity to learn more about Native Americans, their beliefs and lifestyle.