The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1890-01-15

Another feature of this department is
the world famed mounds, now fast dis
appearing, but at present a subject of
continual and ardent study by the Eth
biological Bureau and archaeological So
cieties of the country. They have been
objects of intense interest ever since they
were first discovered, and have been de-
scribed in many publications. To select
one or two Of the typical forms and re-
produce them would be comparatively
inexpensive. The earth taken from the
excavations for the exposition buildings
could be utilized and the labor necessary
for their erection would cost very little.
The dwellings of the Natchez Indians
were distinguished for an advanced type
of aboriginal architecture. They were
equal to the houses of European peasants
of 200 years ago. They were built in
manner far superior to that of other
Indians and form an interesting study.
They are large, roomy dwellings, built
of sun baked mud, mixed with straw,
and arched over dome shaped roofs
of cane. They were placed in regular.
order around an open square. Two OF
them were larger and more pretentious
than the others. One was the residence
of the Chief, the other the Temple of the
Sun. Around the latter was built
strong wall of mud, planted with stakes,
upon which were stuck the heads OF
enemies sacrificed to the sun. Here the
perpetual fire was kept burning upon a
sort of rude log altar, survival OF
ancient sun worship. Sometimes these
temples were erected upon mounds, as
was, we believe, the practice among the
mound builders themselves, of whom the
Natchez Indians are credited by many to
be a remnant.
There are also, althoug gh more rarel y,
recorded instances of dolmens or upright
granite stones arranged in orderly array,
as is frequently observed in Europe, hav-
ing been discovered in this country.
They are more numerous than has been
generally understood, and form
very curious and notable collection from
their evident antiquity, probably taking
precedence of all our prehistoric remains,
and from their mysterious meaning form
ing subject of much speculation and
surmise. Being religious in their object,
it is of course more difficult to under
stand their purpose, and fewer of such
monuments have been spared by mans
ruthless hand. They are worthy of pres
eryation as the mute evidence of races
| that have lived their day and gone into
| oblivion, monuments OF desire TO leave
something recorded behind.
Any attempt to fittingly reproduce the
colossal erections of Central America
would be q gigantic and almost hopeless
task, taxing the resources of an Emperor.
They come, however, within the scope
Of such all exhibit as suggest, and 1T
would lack most necessary portion If
they were entirely omitted. Such an ex-
hibit might properly be aided by the Cen
i trail American Governments, if not en-
tircly taken in hand by them: and ma
terials for such appropriate display might
be furnished by them out of their almost
limitlcss wealth of prehistoric remains.
There are some editices, simple III con-
struction, yet representative aud charac-
teristic, which might be very easily re-
produced, such as the truncated temple
pyramids, the conical towers with wind
ing, spiral ascents from bottom to top,
earth built and paved with stone. These
could be built, and within them could be
arranged the vault like chambers, arches
and passages which arc found in the origi-
nails in so many instances. They are
wonderfully beautiful specimens of pre-
historic architecture, and the skill shown
in their construction, as in other Central
American buildings of this ancient age,
cannot now be surpassed, The most