Clinch Valley news. [volume] (Jeffersonville, Va.) 18??-2019, 1890-02-21
tional factor

Another feature Of this department is
the world famed mounds, now fast dis
appearing, but at present 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 i'll 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 tile exposition buildings
could be utilized and the labor necessary
for their erection would cost very little.
The dwellings of the Natchcz 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 a
manner far superior 10 that of other
Indians and form an interesting study.
They are large, roomy dwellings, built
Of sun baked mud, mixed with straw,
aud arched over dome shaped roofs
Of cane. They were placed in regular
order around an open square. Two of
them were larger and more prctentious
than the others One WAS the residence
Of the Chief, the other the Temple of tie
Sun. Around the latter was built a
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 !;
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 REMNANT.
There are also, although more rarely,
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 a
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
surmse. Being religious in their object,
1t is of course more difficult TO under
stand their purpose, and fewer of snch
monuments have been spared by mans
ruthless hand. They are worthy of pres
ervation 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 20 iittingly reproduce lac
colossal crections of Central America
would be a gigantic and almost hopeless,
task, taxing the resources OF IN Emperor
They come, however. within the scope
OF such an exhibit as ] suggest, and it
would lack Il most necessary portion if
they were entirely omitted. Such IN ex-
hibit might properly he aided by the Gem
trail American Governments, if not en-
tircly taken in hand by them. and ina
terials for such appropriate display might
be furnished by them ont of their almost
ilmitless wealth Of prehistoric remains.
There are some cdiiiccs, simple in con-
struction, yet representative and charac-
tcristic, 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. tlem, c6lld be
arrangedtthe vault like chambers; arches
and passages Which are found in the origii!!
nails in SO. many instances. They arc
Wonderfully beautiful Specimens of pre-:
historic architectlres, andsthe skill shown
in their construct ons as il, other Central
American buildings OF this ancient ageil
cannot now be surpassed. The moat