essay

Southwest platform mounds from an ethnographic perspective

hohokam village revisitedGlenwood Springs, Colo. • Published In 2000 • Pages: 345-372

By: Elson, Mark D..

Abstract
After 100 years of research, it seems doubtful that archaeological excavations alone will resolve question of platform mound function. A cross-cultural study based on eight cases of platform-using groups indicates that, regardless of whether the mounds were inhabited, the groups that used them were socially complex. In the American Southwest it is likely that these groups were ranked, and possibly in the Phoenix Basin, stratified. Ethnographic research shows that all mound-using groups had inherited and institutionalized leadership positions. It is suggested that ehnographic studies open up new and interesting avenues to explore the roles of platform mounds in prehistoric societies (p. 345).
Subjects
Structures
Historical reconstruction
Comparative evidence
Water supply
Real property
Status, role, and prestige
Kin groups
tradition
Hohokam
HRAF PubDate
2010
Region
North America
Sub Region
Southwest and Basin
Document Type
essay
Evaluation
Creator Type
Archaeologist
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
Analyst
John Beierle; 2009
Field Date
no date
Coverage Date
850-650 BP (AD 1150-1350)
Coverage Place
southern and central Arizona, United States
Notes
Mark D. Elson
Includes bibliographical references (p. 364-372)
LCSH
Hohokam culture