An Event-Centered Perspective on Mound 2 at the Hopewell Earthworks

A new analysis of Mound 2 at the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks reveals how Scioto Hopewell culture integrated fire ceremonialism, burial practices, and biface caches into increasingly complex ritual assemblages. The study identifies a basin-shaped hearth adjacent to one cache and puddled-clay fragments from other hearths, suggesting structured fire-based rituals. Five burials with grave goods and the two chert biface caches—analyzed for source using reflectance spectroscopy—highlight the cultural significance of these deposits. This event-centered approach demonstrates how Middle Woodland ceremonies combined diverse elements to create novel ceremonial contexts.

Giles, B. T., Rowe, B. M., & Parish, R. M. (2020). An Event-Centered Perspective on Mound 2 at the Hopewell Earthworks. Midcontinental Journal of Archaeology, 45(3), 243–268. https://doi.org/10.1080/01461109.2020.1826877