Interpreting Archaeological Political Structure and Religion

ANT 207

Friday, February 13

To do this exercise, you will need to find Dr. Reber, and get her to give you the site plan for interpretation. The site is a 50-mound site, extending over about 5 square miles. There are compound burials suggesting some possible human sacrifice, but not on a regular basis. There is also considerable remains of feasting found surrounding the central mound, which is over 100 feet high. Using the site plan and the information just given, please answer the following questions:

1) Describe the type of religion and religious rituals present at the site. Why do you think so?

2) What was the political structure of this society? Why do you think so? How did the leader maintain control?