What archaeological evidence taught scholars about the culture of the the Mississippians?
A. Housing complexes built into the side of cliffs
B. Kayaks designed to hunt animals over long distances
C. Large earthen mounds built for religious purposes
D. Totem poles decorated with animal symbols
C. Large earthen mounds built for religious purposes
C. Large earthen mounds built for religious purposes
Archaeological evidence has taught scholars about the culture of the Mississippians through the discovery of large earthen mounds. These mounds were built by the Mississippians for religious purposes. They were used as platforms for ceremonial activities, burials, and possibly as elevated locations for the housing of important individuals. The presence of these mounds suggests a complex social and religious structure within the Mississippian culture.
The correct answer is C. Large earthen mounds built for religious purposes.
To find the correct answer, you can start by understanding what the Mississippians were and what archaeological evidence is. The Mississippians were a prehistoric Native American culture that existed in North America between approximately 800 CE and 1500 CE. Archaeological evidence refers to physical artifacts, structures, and remains that are discovered through excavations and used to study past human cultures.
Now, let's analyze the options one by one:
A. Housing complexes built into the side of cliffs: This option refers to a characteristic of another Native American culture known as the Ancestral Puebloans or Anasazi, who are more associated with the southwestern United States, not the Mississippians. This option can be eliminated.
B. Kayaks designed to hunt animals over long distances: This option refers to a type of watercraft traditionally used by Native American cultures in the Arctic and Subarctic regions, such as the Inuit and Aleut people. It is not associated with the Mississippians. This option can be eliminated.
C. Large earthen mounds built for religious purposes: These earthen mounds are a well-known feature of the Mississippians culture. They built numerous mounds across their territory for various purposes, including religious and ceremonial activities. These mounds are significant archaeological evidence that has provided valuable insights into the religious, social, and political aspects of the Mississippians' culture.
D. Totem poles decorated with animal symbols: This option refers to a cultural feature of Native American groups in the Pacific Northwest, such as the Haida, Tlingit, and Kwakwaka'wakw. The Mississippians did not create totem poles, nor have any specific association with this type of art. This option can be eliminated.
Therefore, the correct answer is C. Large earthen mounds built for religious purposes, as they are a major archaeological feature associated with the Mississippians and have provided scholars with valuable insights into their culture.