Vocabulary
a large farm where cash crops are grown on behalf of the person who owns the land
plantation
What does Tchefuncte pottery tell us about their civilization?
They were in contact with people in southeastern region
How was the Poverty Point society organized?
people were equal and had equal rights
a large, prehistoric elephant-like animal covered with hair
mammoth
having the shape of half a circle
semicircular
Why do archaeologists think Tchefuncte pottery was mostly used for display purposes?
It was made with raw materials from far away.
Which civilization influenced the Marksville people?
Hopewell
Which details belong in the Poverty Point column? Select the two correct answers.
used underground ovens to cook
had easy access to water routes
a large, rounded pile
mound
an open space near a community
plaza
What were dome-shaped and flat-topped mounds used for?
Burials and religious ceremonies
Why are the Hopewell mounds still there?
answers vary
Poverty Point map: Which feature is located directly north of the visitor center?
Mound C
a Native American leader who is believed to have special power
shaman
a substance used in the primary production or manufacturing of goods
Raw material
What river did the Tchefuncte live near
Mississippi
How do archaeologists know that the Troyville people were related to the earlier Marksville people?
the pottery that was found at the site
The spectacular geometric earthwork consists of ridges, each originally about 150 feet [46 m] wide
and six feet [1.8 m] high, arranged as six concentric octagons. . . .
At one edge of the octagon rises the massive Poverty Point Mound, as high as a seven-story
building, and measuring about 700 by 800 feet [213 by 244 m] at the base. . . .
A mile due north of the center of the octagon lies another huge mound, the Motley Mound. Its
base covers an area of 400 by 600 feet [122 by 183 m], and its height is fifty-six feet [17 m]. . . .
In proportion and details it is identical with the Poverty Point Mound, except that it is turned at
ninety degrees to the larger mound. . . .
The mounds presumably were ceremonial in nature, but the ridges of the octagon represent
the village site of these prehistoric people. Concentration of artifacts and debris indicate that
they lived on the ridges. The size of the village indicates a large population and implies both an
abundant food supply and a high degree of social organization.
According to the excerpt, why did the people of Poverty Point build ridges?
to hold ceremonies
a device used for throwing a spear
atlatl
a small strip of land that connects two large landmasses
land bridge
What state was this culture located in
Louisiana
Make a claim about the Poverty Point culture, and support it with evidence from the chapter
answers vary
animals that are hunted
game