Who Were the Hopewell

Who Were the Hopewell. . , Two thousand years ago different American Indian groups throughout eastern North America began using a similar set of beliefs, practices, and symbolism. Two trademarks of this culture were the construction of earthworks and the manufacture of finely crafted objects. The earthworks were often built in geometric patterns. The objects were made of exotic materials such as copper, mica, and marine shell gathered from distant lands. Why did distinct groups over a large geographic area decide to engage in very similar behavior? Although clues have been found, we may never know the true reason., Today we do not know what these groups of people called themselves. The term "Hopewell culture" describes the range of shared beliefs, practices, and symbolism at flourished from about 100 BC. to 90 AD. Archeologists derived the term from the man who owned this very site in the late 1800s. The site before you is called Hopewell Mound Group., Photo Captions. This copper face was found here at Hopewell Mound Group. The copper to make this object was not native to the area. It was acquired from the Lake Superior region. , The mica hand and partial human figure were found here at Hopewell Mound Group and might have been attached to clothing for ornamentation or used as ceremonial insignia.