Spiro Mounds facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Spiro Mound Group
|
|
Artists conception of Spiro Mounds as seen from the west.
|
|
 Location in Oklahoma
Location in the United States
|
|
| Nearest city | Spiro, Oklahoma |
|---|---|
| Area | Le Flore County |
| Architectural style | Mississippian |
| NRHP reference No. | 69000153 |
| Added to NRHP | September 30, 1969 |
Spiro Mounds is a very important archaeological site in eastern Oklahoma, close to the town of Spiro. An archaeological site is a place where people find old things from the past. This site is managed by the Oklahoma Historical Society and is open for everyone to visit.
Spiro Mounds is one of the most significant pre-Columbian sites in the United States. "Pre-Columbian" means it existed before Christopher Columbus arrived in the Americas in 1492. It tells us a lot about the ancient people who lived there long ago.
Contents
The Ancient City of Spiro
Spiro Mounds was once a large city built by the Caddoan Mississippian culture. These people lived in the area between 800 AD and 1450 AD. They were skilled farmers, artists, and traders.
Who Lived at Spiro?
The people of Spiro were part of a larger group called the Caddoan Mississippian culture. They built large earthen mounds, which were like big hills made of dirt. These mounds were used for different purposes, such as homes for important leaders or places for burials.
Why Was Spiro Important?
Spiro was a major center for trade and religion. People from far away came to Spiro to trade goods like shells, copper, and special stones. The city was also a spiritual hub, where important ceremonies took place.
Discoveries at Spiro Mounds
Archaeologists have found many amazing things at Spiro Mounds. These discoveries help us understand how the ancient people lived, what they believed, and how artistic they were.
Amazing Artifacts Found
Many beautiful and unique artifacts have been found at Spiro. These include:
- Engraved conch shells: These shells have detailed pictures carved into them, showing warriors, animals, and symbols.
- Effigy pipes: These are pipes shaped like people or animals, often used in ceremonies.
- Copper plates: Thin sheets of copper were hammered into shapes and designs.
- Shell gorgets: These are decorative pieces worn around the neck, often with carved symbols.
The Great Mortuary
One of the most famous parts of Spiro Mounds is called Craig Mound. Archaeologists also called it the "Great Mortuary." This mound was a special burial place. Inside, they found many important people buried with valuable items. These items show how important these people were and how rich their culture was.
Life at Spiro Mounds
The people of Spiro lived in villages around the mounds. They built houses, grew crops, and hunted for food.
Daily Life and Homes
The people of Spiro lived in houses often made with grass-thatched roofs. They farmed crops like corn, beans, and squash. They also hunted animals and gathered wild plants to eat. Their daily lives revolved around their community, farming, and religious practices.
Art and Craftsmanship
The Spiro people were incredible artists. They created beautiful objects from materials like shell, copper, and stone. Their art often showed symbols related to their beliefs and stories. The detailed carvings on shells and pipes are examples of their amazing skills.
Spiro Mounds Today
Today, Spiro Mounds is a protected site. It helps us learn about the rich history of Native American cultures in Oklahoma.
Visiting the Site
Visitors can explore the mounds and learn about the people who built them. There is a visitor center with exhibits that show artifacts and explain the history of Spiro Mounds. It's a great place to imagine what life was like long ago.
Protecting History
Archaeologists and historians continue to study Spiro Mounds. They work to protect the site and its artifacts. This helps make sure that future generations can also learn from this important piece of history.
Images for kids
-
Engraved conch shell from Spiro Mounds depicting a falcon warrior
-
A reconstructed house - grass-thatched roofs also were typical of the later, historic Wichita and Caddo cultures, but their houses were round with high-pitched roofs
-
Craig Mound, the Spiro burial mound that was referred to as the "Great Mortuary" by archaeologists conducting the early scientific research at the site
-
Anthropomorphic human headed avian plate from Spiro
-
Engraved shell gorget from Spiro Mounds - the striped-center-pole, or axis mundi, divides the image in half - the cross and circle motifs also have symbolic meanings
-
Spiro Mounds shell gorget with a central spider motif and a border of hands with bracelets - Woolaroc Museum
-
Map of the Caddoan Mississippian culture and some important sites
-
"Resting Warrior", side view, effigy pipe of Missouri flint clay
-
Effigy pipe of figure smoking from a frog effigy pipe, Missouri flint clay
-
Effigy pipe of a man smoking a pipe, Missouri flint clay
-
"Lucifer" pipe, rear view
-
2 jasper and 1 Mill Creek chert ceremonial bifaces (from southern Illinois)
-
Ceremonial monolithic flint mace
-
Copper ear spools
-
Engraved whelk shell cup with raptor heads
_effigy_pipe_HRoe-2010.jpg)
