TOPICS
ANCIENT SPIRITUAL PRACTICES
Ceremonial Gatherings
A discussion of the ways the geometric earthworks may have been used, and how gatherings there were probably multi-purposed.
Fire
The role of fire in the builders' treatments of deposited items, burials, and the burning down of buildings before mounds or earthworks were raised.
Burning Things
Comparative religion scholar Dr. David Cave discusses the meaning of community ritual burning of meaningful objects across cultures.
Sacred Landscape
Archaeologist Dr. Mark Seeman discusses the relation between the hills and valleys of the Ohio River landscape and the formations of the earthworks and mounds.
Reincarnation
Archaeologist Dr. James Brown explains how the earthworks may have been scenes of ritual adoption and the spiritual reincarnation of revered ancestors.
Deposits
A discussion of the practice, and examples, of Hopewell interment of precious objects and materials in the earth.
The Cosmological Plan
Dr. James Brown suggests that the geometric earthworks reflected the cosmos on earth, allowing potential enemies to meet within a common order.
Elaboration and Ritual
Dr. David Cave explores the reasons for the great size and elaboration in ritual grounds and preparations, across cultures.
Hopewell Interaction Sphere
Dr. Robert Hall describes the nature of the trade networks and other influences that had Hopewell ideas going far across the continent.
Circle of Life
Shawnee Chief Frank Wilson talks about walking the medicine wheel of life with its four gateways.
World Renewal
Archaeologist DeeAnne Wymer explains why some Hopewell deposits suggest the traditional ceremonies of world renewal, still celebrated by many Native American tribes.
