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| LSU Researchers Protect Secrets Of LSU’s Indian Mounds In the 1980s, scientists from the LSU Museum of Natural Science, the Department of Agronomy, and the Department of Geography & Anthropology collected soil samples from the bases of the mounds and discovered that they were part of a group of Archaic mound complexes located throughout the state. Over a dozen of these mound complexes have been identified and more are likely to be recognized in the future. These mound groups are older than any in North America, Mesoamerica, and South America, and predate the construction of the great Egyptian pyramids. The western side of both LSU mounds were tested in 1985 to provide information prior to the damage that would result from the construction of brick retaining walls. Currently, the structures and artifacts within are protected from vandals and treasure hunters. In 1999, the Indian Mounds at LSU were listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Written by Laura Fonti | University
Relations Related Links: LSU
Indian Mounds listed on National Register of Historic Places (May
1999)—LSU Media Release |
For
more than 75 years, LSU has been at its present location. While
the campus has seen many changes, the Indian mounds, located on
the northwest side of campus, have remained virtually untouched.
Built
more than 5,000 years ago by Native Americans, the mounds at LSU
were part of a much larger trend. Native Americans built large mounds
in the eastern part of North America for many reasons. Archaeologists
think Native American mounds served as ceremonial and social centers.
To date, archaeologists do not know the exact purpose the LSU Indian
Mounds, but the structures do not appear to have been burial places,
temples or houses. Researchers believe the mounds may have been
symbols of group identity where peoples living in scattered bands
congregated from time to time for religious and ceremonial purposes,
and to feast, dance, exchange information, and select mates.
