Bainbridge in Ross County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Ancient Artists
Hopewell Culture National Historical Park
— National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior —
Photographed By Craig Doda, November 18, 2018
1. Ancient Artists Marker
Our view of the Hopewell's world is often focused on the dead, because many uncovered artifacts are from burial mounds, But here at these four subtle plots is rare archaeological evidence of the Hopewell living. Archaeologists post-hole patterns of buildings here, not mortuary buildings but likely workshops. The building sites were covered with soil containing tools, shells, found and animal bones.
Hopewell artists fashioned highly decorated pottery from local clay. They hammered Lake Superior copper into ornaments, cut Appalachian mica into iconic designs, and chipped massive knives from Rocky Mountain obsidian. These prized objects were most likely used in funerals, feasts, and religious observances. The sophisticated art brought distinction to the Hopewell's world and meaning to their lives.
Hopewell artists help us—some 2,000
years later—visualize their world. In
their art we are able to see their style
of dress, the animals they hunted, the
tools they toiled with, and the symbols
they used in worship.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Arts, Letters, Music • Churches & Religion • Native Americans.
Location. 39° 14.35′ N, 83° 13.233′ W. Marker is in Bainbridge, Ohio, in Ross County. Marker is on U.S. 50, 0.1 miles west of Dill Road, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Bainbridge OH 45612, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Ohio's Protector (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Ceremonial Center (about 400 feet away); Anatomy of a Mound (about 400 feet away); Last Battle in the Scioto Country (approx. 0.9 miles away); Home of General Nathaniel Massie (approx. 4.1 miles away); PP African American Settlement / Eden Baptist Church (approx. 6.8 miles away); Concord Presbyterian Church (approx. 8 miles away); Salem Academy (approx. 8.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bainbridge.
Photographed By Craig Doda, November 18, 2018
2. Ancient Artists Marker
Photographed By Craig Doda, November 18, 2018
3. Ancient Artists Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 14, 2021. It was originally submitted on February 14, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 213 times since then and 111 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 14, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
