Near Chillicothe in Ross County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Effigy Pipes

— Hopewell Culture National Historical Park — Mound City Group —

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 9, 2009

1. Effigy Pipes Marker

Inscription.
Although small and rather ordinary, this mound (Mound 8) contained a remarkable find. Nearly 200 pipes-mostly broken-were discovered here. Skillfully carved from stone, the pipes faithfully detailed human heads and indigenous animals. The pipe bowls sculpted in human effigies give us impressions of Hopewell hairstyles, headdresses, and facial tattooing. The animal effigies represent the abundant wildlife found in the Hopewell's world.

Some archeologists think that the pipes were mainly used in rituals by ceremonial leaders, as they smoked potent native tobaccos. During the burial ceremony the ceremonial leaders might have invoked the effigy's spirit for aid or protection in the spirit world.

Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Native Americans.

Location. 39° 22.542′ N, 83° 0.319′ W. Marker is near Chillicothe, Ohio, in Ross County. Marker can be reached from Ohio Route 104, 1.7 miles north of U.S. 35. This historical marker is located in the, "Hopewell Culture, National Historical Park." It is one of several historical

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markers used by the National Park Service to help explain the significance of this historical site, as well as the Hopewell culture. Upon ones arrival at the park, it is recommended that you go to the park visitor center and obtain a free site map showing all of the park's mound sites. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 16062 State Route 104, Chillicothe OH 45601, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Mound 7 (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Mica Splendor (about 300 feet away); Elliptical Mound (about 300 feet away); A Sacred Purpose (about 300 feet away); Casualties of War (about 400 feet away); Maygrass (about 400 feet away); Rustic Tobacco (about 400 feet away); Goosefoot (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chillicothe.

Also see . . .
1. Hopewell Culture National Historical Park. Touring Ohio website entry (Submitted on July 21, 2009, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.)

2. Mound City Group. Ohio History Central website entry (Submitted on July 21, 2009, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.)

3. Mound City Group. National Park Service Hopewell Culture National Historical Park website entry (Submitted on July 21, 2009, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.)

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 9, 2009

2. Effigy Pipes Marker

View of the historical marker in the foreground, with the burial mound that is the subject of the marker immediately behind it.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 9, 2009

3. Mound City

A view of some of the mounds that make up the Mound City Group, where this historical marker and subject mound are located.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 9, 2022. It was originally submitted on July 21, 2009, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,862 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 21, 2009, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.