The Progress of Ethnology: An Account of Recent Archaeological, Philological and Geographical Researches in Various Parts of the Globe, Tending to Elucidate the Physical History of ManBartlett, John Russell
History
The Progress of Ethnology: An Account of Recent Archaeological, Philological and Geographical Researches in Various Parts of the Globe, Tending to Elucidate the Physical History of Man
Bartlett, John Russell
Anthropology -- History; Ethnology -- History
The "_Cemeteries_" are oval, and from six to ten feet high, filled with
bones, lying east and west, and when incased in sarcophagi, the rows run
in the same direction. In some instances Dr. Dickeson found the bones
lying in heaps, promiscuously. These he believes to have been the
_canaille_.
The "_Tent or Structure mounds_" are small, and a short distance below
their surface, fragments of brick and cement are found in great
quantities; sometimes skeletons and pottery. Never more than six
skeletons are found together, and more care is shown in the burial of
these than in the "cemetery mounds." In one instance an angular tumulus
was seen by the Doctor, with the corners quite perfect, formed of large
bricks, bearing the impression of an extended hand.[2]
Many mounds and tumuli are advantageously situated on the tops of
ridges, surrounded with walls. Some of the latter have crumbled away,
while others remain strong and perpendicular. In many instances, the
walls that surround these groups of mounds, form perfect squares and
circles. Dr. Dickeson adds that, "if from the centre of one of these
groups a circle were traced, it would strike the centre of each mound,
both large and small." They contain numerous fragments of walls, images,
pottery, ornaments, etc. etc.
The "Temples" are generally situated among the hills and ravines, with
perpendicular escarpments, improved by artificial fortifications. The
enclosures often embrace upwards of thirty acres. The great enclosure at
"the Trinity" contains upwards of one hundred and fifty acres, and is
partially faced with sundried brick. Upon the plantation of Mr.
Chamberlain in Mississippi, the temple is flanked with several
_bastions_, besides _squares_, _parallels_, _half moons_, and ravines
with perpendicular escarpments for its defence. The ditches and small
lakes are frequently chained for miles and filled with water, intended,
the Doctor thinks, for outworks. In these, bricks are found both at the
bottom and on the sides. Among the rubbish and vegetable deposits taken
from them to put on the land, ornaments, and other relics are found.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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