Spirits of Earth

Between A.D. 700 and 1100 Native Americans built more effigy mounds in Wisconsin than anywhere else in North America, with an estimated 1,300 mounds - including the world's largest known bird effigy - at the center of effigy-building culture in and around Madison, Wisconsin. These huge earthworks, sculpted in the shape of birds, mammals, and other figures, have aroused curiosity for generations and together comprise a vast effigy mound ceremonial landscape. Farming and industrialization destroyed most of these mounds, leaving the mysteries of who built them and why they were made. The remaining mounds are protected today and many can be visited. ""Spirits of Earth"" explores the cultural, historical, and ceremonial meanings of the mounds in an informative, abundantly illustrated book and guide.

Robert A. Birmingham served for many years as Wisconsin State Archaeologist. He is president of the Wisconsin Archaeological Survey and the Friends of Aztalan State Park and a board member of the Wisconsin Archaeological Society. Lynne G. Goldstein is professor and chairperson of the Department of Anthropology at Michigan State University. She has conducted field research at and around Aztalan for over twenty-eight years