Ancient Mississippian Religion - Native American Documentary

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In this episode we are joined by Dr. Eric Singleton who is the Curator of Ethnology at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum to talk about religion and tradition in the Ancient Mississippian World.

We explore a variety of topics but first we define the geographic boundaries of the ancient Mississippians which covered large portions of the Midwest, South and South-East of what is now the USA.

We go back into history into a time of Native American migration and cultural expansion and ponder whether or not these migrations played a role in the evolution of Mississippian Religion similar to the arrival of Indo Europeans and its consumption of previous peoples and cultures and its transformation in ancient Europe.

We then explore sacred sites in the Mississippian world and discuss sacred geography in the Native American world from Spiro to Cahokia.

We turn to a crucial aspect of the story and we look at what evidence can tell us about their religions ranging from archaeology to primary sources and beyond to tribal oral traditions that still echo in our world today.

We then look at the minds of the ancient Mississippians themselves and ask how did they view the spiritual world around them? How did they view the afterlife? The Human Soul?

A brief overview of Mississippian Religion below.

Mississippian religion was a distinctive Native American belief system in eastern North America that evolved out of an ancient, continuous tradition of sacred landscapes, shamanic institutions, world renewal ceremonies, and the ritual use of fire, ceremonial pipes, medicine bundles, sacred poles, and symbolic weaponry. Mississippian people shared similar beliefs in cosmic harmony, divine aid and power, the ongoing cycle of life and death, and spiritual powers with neighboring cultures throughout much of eastern North America. Although similarities in religious practices and rituals existed throughout the Mississippian world, individual polities possessed divergent trajectories of religious thought that over time resulted in differing paths of belief and ritual.

Above all, Mississippian people were logical, pragmatic, and rational in their religious beliefs, and their observations and thoughts about the world around them were reflected in their views of the spiritual world. Their rituals and sacred narratives embodied abstract meanings, archaic language, complex symbolism, and esoteric metaphors. The numerous and widespread Mississippian polities gave rise to a remarkable tradition of religious beliefs and practices. Their religious system flourished for more than half a millennium as a meaningful and vibrant set of beliefs. Identifying the circumstances, complexity, and nature of Mississippian religion is a major focus of current research among a number of scholars, including anthropologists, archaeologists, ethnohistorians, folklorists, and historians. Although scholars debate various points of religious belief, there is general agreement on the overall religious traditions.

Dye, D. (2000). Mississippian Religious Traditions. In S. Stein (Author), The Cambridge History of Religions in America (Cambridge History of Religions in America, pp. 137-155). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. doi:10.1017/CHOL9780521871105.008

Footage Attribution goes to these channels below!
Keith Dotson Photography

Off the Beaten Path

Lee Paco industries

Steve theland LeTerrain

Tour the wonderous world of Spiro and ancient Mississippian art below!

Spiro Exhibit Video Footage was filmed by Cameron Mosier of Tribal Video.

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studyofantiquityandthemidd
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While I'm not from this region or people (I am from Atlantic Canada and am Mi'kmaq) I highly appreciate you shining light on how rich Native American history and culture is

mandalor
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I AM a direct Mississippian Descendant. My granny n grandaddy migrated from Mississippi into Arkansas and stayed along the Mississippi River. We still go back to Mississippi for our Reunions and we hold a big one in Arkansas also. Ase

sadewilliams
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Mississippi is the soil where the roots of my family tree is planted, therefore will always be sacred to to me. Shout out to all my fellow my Choctaw descendants 💪🏽

marlostanfield
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This is part of our American legacy and should be taught to humanity. Pre Columbus history is American history. 🇲🇦🇺🇸☪️

thirdeffect
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I believe the groups like the Maya and early southern Mexico tribes had some type of influence on the mound builders in America.

theodoresmith
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Lived about 10 miles from Moundville for a short time. I miss being able to go there whenever I had a day off, and nothing to do. It's just so beautiful and it gives off some feeling that I can't really explain.

logancaine
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You did an amazing job putting this together. I am beyond humbled that you used some of my footage.

leah
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It’s amazing to me how many cultures around the world build pyramids.

thecrew
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Indigenous Turtle Island architecture and spirituality is just so beautiful ❤️‍🔥 also!! Mississippi sounds like the Plains Cree/paskwâwinîmowin word “misi~sîpiy ᒥᓯᓰᐱᕀ” meaning “The Great River”!! Lots of love from SK 🌊 🌺🍁🌾🪨🌲🇨🇦

tkgrzot
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You did an amazing job putting this together. Much respect as much of my family history starts in Mississippi in North America.

mrsbabygirl
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Wonderful episode! Dr. Singleton is a terrific guest and authority and I could listen to him all day long!

AncientAmericas
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Great documentary. I was so glad to hear my question from opening thread few months ago being asked and I was even more surprised by dr. Singleton's answer. He is really open minded and respectful to ancient cultures and their traditions and I'm glad he shared his knowledge with us.

JustSpectre
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I live amongst the Mounds of Southern Ohio...

Chillicothe, Serpent Mound...they are all over. Estimates are 10, 000 mounds in Ohio at the time of westward expansion

theunforgivenpuritan
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This was an amazing and very informative instalment in what I hope will be a series on the Americas, an area of history much neglected, fantastic work and kudos to both you Nick and Dr Singleton for bringing this underappreciated topic to our attention I can literally say everything I learned today was completely new to me and while that is wonderful it's also a little sad, thanks to you both.

Jason-msbv
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This is fantastic timing! Work has taken me to the South, and I will use this video to help guide me on visiting and studying these sites!

jamesfreeman
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Thanks for this informative and interesting look at Native culture and history.
I am Sooke Native myself and appreciate any one who takes the time to truly create the proper image of the Native people.
I am glad you have made this video and are helping to provide a batter glimpse into the traditions of these people and the truth to their heritage and timelines of their existence.
Native culture is a very powerful form of history and invokes much religious and Spiritual intrigue as well as diversity among a large nation of people who once lived in harmony and peace.
Thanks again and blessings and peace to you!!

ricktherrien
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How synchronistic I was literally arguing with someone ignorant that said Greece had more history than the Americas specifically Mexico and I said I'd be willing to pit the Mississippi River alone against all of Greece, thank you for Shining light on the subject matter.

Eblis
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Oh man I'm so psyched to find such a great channel! What a fabulous and educational video. ❤️❤️❤️

carolinecarlson
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Great great episode. Learned alot from this episode. Thanks so much for sharing this episode

offthebeatenpath
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