Why were the Effigy Mounds built?
Effigy Mounds undoubtedly served several purposes. Many of the mounds that were excavated in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s were found to contain a few burials, but some effigy mounds did not. Based on their placement on the landscape in some areas, these mounds also served to mark social territories. The shapes and patterns, like the clan-spirit symbols, also likely represented the world-view of the groups with earth, sky, and underworld represented. The act of constructing the mounds also reinforced social bonding through shared efforts, and it is probable that during these gatherings other social events, such as courtships and marriages, also occurred.
