Spirits of Earth: The Effigy Mound Landscape of Madison and the Four Lakes

by Robert A. Birmingham

Between A.D. 700 and 1100 Native Americans built more effigy mounds in Wisconsin than anywhere else in North America, with an estimated 1,300 mounds—including the world’s largest known bird effigy—at the center of effigy-building culture in and around Madison, Wisconsin. These huge earthworks, sculpted in the shape of birds, mammals, and other figures, have aroused curiosity for generations and together comprise a vast effigy mound ceremonial landscape. Farming and industrialization destroyed most of these mounds, leaving the mysteries of who built them and why they were made. The remaining mounds are protected today and many can be visited.   explores the cultural, historical, and ceremonial meanings of the mounds in an informative, abundantly illustrated book and guide.

 

Finalist, Social Science, Midwest Book Awards

Genres: Nonfiction, Archaeology

274 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Cathy Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know why anyone I know on GR would be interested in reading about Indian mounds in Madison, Wisconsin, but if you are, this is the best book on the topic I've seen.

[D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great overview and very thorough on the effigy mounds both surviving and long ago recorded along the Four Lakes region. A fascinating history.

Little repetitive, hammering the same points over multiple chapters, but it's a short read so you don't mind the reminders.

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great overview of effigy mounds around the Madison area, and the history of effigy mounds in general. Loved this book.