The significance of bear canine artifacts in Hopewell context

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Authors
Bertino, Leanne
Advisor
Cochran, Donald R. (Donald Ray)
Issue Date
1994
Keyword
Degree
Thesis (M.A.)
Department
Department of Anthropology
Other Identifiers
Abstract

This study has presented a comprehensive overview of the context and significance of real and effigy bear canine artifacts in Hopewell context. The evidence suggests that burials with bear canine artifacts and additional grave goods in an extended position contained high status individuals. These burials contained the remains of males or male children, with status differences evident in both burial position and quantity of grave goods. Bear canine artifacts found in non-burials contexts were primarily found in "ceremonial caches." The inclusion of bear canine artifacts in such caches is indicative of their spiritual importance in Hopewell culture. Modification, including drilling, splitting and piercing of bear canine artifacts occurred in all five regions where these artifacts were found. This was the only class of data that spanned all five regions. Data from burials indicates that these artifacts were commonly used as a form of adornment, especially necklaces. Evidence from a burial at Hopewell Mounds points to an ideological, religious function for these artifacts. Much of the data for effigy bear canine artifacts correlates with t--at of real canines, and they appear to have served the same function. Since people chose to manufacture these artifacts rather than do without indicates that the meaning behind the image represented by bear canine may be more important than the artifact itself.

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