Mound Sites of the Ancient South: A Guide to the Mississippian Chiefdoms by Eric E. Browne (review)

Mound Sites of the Ancient South: South: A Guide to the Mississippian Chiefdoms is a guidebook for those wishing to visit Native American archaeological sites and museums in the South. The book showcases thirteen major Mississippian sites, with extended discussion of numerous others, including Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site (Illinois), Caddo Mounds State Historic Site (Texas), Town Creek Indian Mound (North Carolina), Grand Village of the Natchez Indians (Mississippi), Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site and Ocmulgee National Monument (Georgia) and Moundville Archaeological Park (Alabama).

But this is more than a simple guidebook. Bowen has crafted a wonderfully complete and comprehensive survey for non-specialists that is sure to appeal to those frustrated by the lack of a holistic, readable treatment of the “mound builders.” The beautifully designed and lavishly illustrated work begins by taking the reader on a tour of “The Ancient South” with a discussion of the world of the late prehistoric period. Bowen’s easy-to-read narrative provides an all-encompassing synthesis of our current understanding of the period from 900 and 1600 which, generally speaking, predates the arrival of Europeans and written records. Thus, understanding these ancient civilizations depends on an analysis of the archaeological record as well as what can be gleaned from the earliest accounts of surviving chiefdoms, such as those encountered by De Soto and early French explorers and historic tribes.

Following the introductory chapter, he takes readers to the major sites of the Mississippian world, arranged by three broad chronological chapters: the Emergent and Early Mississippian Period (AD 800–122), the Middle Mississippian Period (AD 1200–1400), and the Late Mississippian Period (AD 1400–1600). Each chapter follows a similar layout, including a summary of the various sites, including an account of their location and layout. The major features of the existing sites are described, followed by an account of the their history and significance. Moundville, near modern Tuscaloosa, Alabama, “one of the most spectacular remaining Mississippian sites” (157) according to the author, is highlighted in the chapter on the Middle Mississippian Period (1200–1400). Bowen concludes with an exploration of what happened to these highly complex, stratified mound civilizations, including an account of De Soto’s entrada, the impact of Old World disease. The book contains a glossary as well as a selected bibliography for further reading.

Bowen’s work is aimed at the non-specialist and he does a fine job in presenting complex findings and theories about Mississippian chiefdoms and shaping them into an engaging narrative. His writing is clear and free of jargon and he addresses architecture, warfare, subsistence practices, and trade. At the same time, he is careful to point out the limitation of knowledge about these ancient societies.

The book will appeal to anyone with an interest in early American history, and would be highly useful in Native American history classes. Although the book is designed for who actually intend to visit various sites and museums, arm-chair travelers will find it just as appealing. The book sports a durable, softbound cover and features 92 color and 23 black-and-white photographs of mound sites, artifacts, or artistic representations of life and activities at various locations. There are 20 maps. The high quality of the color maps and illustrations and photographs of artifacts would make it an ideal gift for those with an interest in the early South and southeastern Indians.