Chapter Summary:
Cahokia, an unbelievably developed, remarkably advanced Native American metropolis located on the American Bottom, has astounded archaeologists since its discovery. Known as the Rome of its time, it gained great respect from chiefs and worshippers all over North America because of its modern social organization, impressive building and architecture, and its far-reaching trading network. The narrator is led through the suburbs of the society, into the heart of the city, to experience the ritual burial of a former chief. The narrator and her guide come across the wonders of the city: the astonishingly huge mounds of earth designed and built by members of the society, the sacred circles of posts and sand made to represent the directional points of their cosmos, and the Grand Plaza, the home of the elite of Cahokia.
After being given a meal by her guide's family (members of the elite who reside within the Grand Plaza), the narrator is brought out to witness the sacred burial. Taking place within the sacred "Earth World," the burial begins with the placing of a young man, covered with a delicately embroidered robe. Over top of this layer, the chief is dramatically lain. Then the chief's former servants are sacrificed to accompany him to the afterlife. Next, in a display of great admiration, chiefs from tribes from all over North America place their tokens of respect and wealth within the grave ("king's ransom"). Next, as a tribute from outside tribes, 50 young women are killed and sent with the chief on his journey into another life. Finally, four head and hand-less men are placed on the top of the grave.
Chapter Reflection:
What stood out the most to me was the level of respect and admiration of the chiefs and tribes and worshippers who made the journey to this great city for the burial of the chief. To sacrifice the lives of their people and give the gift of their greatest treasures shows the amazing impact that the powerful city of Cahokia had upon the whole of North America. I loved the imagery of the larger-than-life mounds with the fires burning and the scene of the "river of people that [flowed] around the base of the mound like water around an island in a stream." It really made me realize the depth of the power that Cahokia has, because it could draw a river of people into its heart to witness one of its most sacred rituals.
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