Pot

     Archaeologists recovered two pots of this shape from Mound 4. The form is unusual because it looks like two pots of different sizes were stuck together. The upper design is unique at Marksville and may represent a plant. The heart shape would be the leaf, while the teardrop shape would be the seed. It has not been possible to identify what plant this is. Possibilities include the eastern redbud tree, the red mulberry tree, and wild ginger. American Indians in the eastern United States used all of these plants.

     In the center of the lower design is a bird. The head has a circular eye and a bill with the upper part hooking over the lower part. This bird image also appears on other examples of Marksville and Hopewell pottery. The hooked bill suggests a bird of prey, like a hawk, owl or vulture. The stylized designs on this pot may represent real plants and animals. It is also possible that the figures have ceremonial importance.

Click on the image to the left to get a better look.