| First Alabamians: Mississippian Ceremony |
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| Client: |
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Alabama Department of Archives and History.
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| Copyright: |
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© Alabama Archives and History Foundation
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| Pictured: |
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Mississippian-era Native Americans At Moundville, in what will become the state of Alabama, celebrate a first fruits ceremony.
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| Geologic age: |
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Modern period
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Description: |
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About a thousand years ago, Alabama life was transformed by a new culture that spread east
from the Mississippi River Valley. Improved farming methods and new varieties of corn provided a more reliable food supply.
Ample food supported an expanding population and the development of complex religious and
political systems.
Mississippian societies dominated eastern North America for nearly six centuries. Some of their
huge ceremonial mounds can still be seen today.
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Did you know? |
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Ritual and ceremony were central to Mississippian life. Elaborate ceremonies on the tops of
mounds or in the public plaza marked changes of seasons and special events.
Mississippian people used a wide variety of finely crafted objects in their rituals and daily life. Some decorative items were primarily symbolic, reflecting themes of warfare, nature, ancestors,
gods, and the afterlife. People wore body adornments such as pendants, necklaces, bracelets,
earrings, and elaborate tattoos.
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The descriptions and other text on these pages represent the Artist's best understanding of the animals, scenes, people or events shown. Any errors in the text are the fault of the Artist (and her webmaster) and are not a reflection on our clients.