The Origin of the Mound Builders

Name: The Origin of the Mound Builders
Author: Alfred Oscar Coffin

By Alfred Oscar Coffin

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Archaeology & Anthropology History - Ancient

About This Book

The text surveys prehistoric earthen mounds across the Mississippi Valley and neighboring regions, describing their shapes, contents, and likely functions—effigy figures, temple platforms, and burial or sacrificial tumuli—and highlights major complexes including a large serpent effigy. It examines skeletal and linguistic evidence used to propose origins, outlines cephalic classifications and migration hypotheses from the Caribbean and Bering Strait, and notes a distinctive craniological type in Midwestern collections. Comparative craniology and philology are presented as the principal tools for evaluating competing theories while recording regional mound forms and distributions.

About the Author

Alfred Oscar Coffin

Alfred Oscar Coffin was an American author and explorer known for his works that delve into the cultural and historical landscapes of North America. His notable book, "Land without Chimneys; or, the Byways of Mexico," reflects his keen observations and experiences in Mexico, offering readers a glimpse into its diverse geography and society. Additionally, in "The Origin of the Mound Builders," Coffin explores the archaeological and anthropological aspects of ancient civilizations in North America, contributing to the understanding of indigenous cultures. Through his writings, Coffin provides valuable insights into the regions he studied, enriching the literary heritage of exploration and cultural history.