Spiro Mounds
Videos
Spiro Mounds is an Indigenous archaeological site located in present-day eastern Oklahoma. The site was built by people from the Arkansas Valley Caddoan culture. that remains from an American Indian culture that was part of the major northern Caddoan Mississippian culture. The 80-acre site is located within a floodplain on the southern side of the Arkansas River. The modern town of Spiro developed approximately seven miles to the south.
Artist's conception of Spiro Mounds, viewed from the west
Engraved whelk shell from Spiro Mounds depicting a falcon warrior
A reconstructed Spiroan house. Grass-thatched roofs were typical of more recent historical Wichita and Caddo cultures, who also made round grass lodges.
Craig Mound, the Spiro burial mound that was referred to as the "Great Mortuary" by archaeologists conducting the early scientific research at the site
Southeastern Ceremonial Complex, abbreviated S.E.C.C., is the name given by modern scholars to the regional stylistic similarity of artifacts, iconography, ceremonies, and mythology of the Mississippian culture. It coincided with their adoption of maize agriculture and chiefdom-level complex social organization from 1200 to 1650 CE.
Craig style shell gorget from Spiro
Hightower style gorget from Etowah
Hemphill style stone palette from Moundville