Animal Carvings from Mounds of the Mississippi Valley
Second Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, 1880-81, Government Printing Office, Washington, 1883, pages 117-166
"Animal Carvings from Mounds of the Mississippi Valley" by Henry W. Henshaw is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. This work explores the artistic skill and significance of sculptures found in the ancient mounds of the Mississippi Valley, particularly focusing on their representations of animals. The author's examination seeks to challenge existing theories regarding the Mound-Builders’ artistic capabilities, as well as the accuracy of identification of the depicted species. The opening of the text introduces the subject matter by addressing the artistic accomplishments of the Mound-Builders, stating that their carvings have captured the attention of archaeologists due to their apparent skill. Henshaw emphasizes the need for critical examination of these artworks, noting that there may have been significant errors in the identification of the animals depicted. He questions the assumption that these sculptures reflect a higher artistic standard than those of North American Indians, suggesting that the carvings’ resemblance to actual animals should be scrutinized. The initial sections lay out the groundwork for a detailed analysis of specific carvings and their implications regarding the culture and knowledge of the Mound-Builders.