6 Contextual and Biological Markers of Community Identity in the Effigy Mound Manifestation of Southern Wisconsin

Abstract

Utilizing a practice theory approach with multiscalar data, we combined mound form, internal mound features, and skeletal data to investigate how corporate identity was created and represented within Wisconsin Effigy Mound communities. There is evidence for a widespread ritual and social system shared by participants. However, contextual and biological variability and other idiosyncrasies in material culture among mound groups suggest deliberate actions demarcating identity through symbolism and ritual performance. Our results reflect this, suggesting at least two distinct corporate identities: (1) a larger, overarching communal identity with regionally shared effigy mound construction and select ritual paraphernalia, and (2) a localized, corporate kin-based identity with variation in the type and location of goods within and between the mounds.