Regional Cults and Ethnic Boundaries in “Southern Hopewell”

Abstract

Ethnic identity is the first hurdle to overcome, as it is definable on multiple levels. Barth (1969) set up a guideline definition with ethnic group taken to mean: 1. one that is largely biologically self-perpetuating 2. shares fundamental cultural values 3. makes up a field of communication and interaction 4. has membership that defines us and them (Beck, 1995: 168). This use of boundaries to consolidate and delineate group membership might be recognizable archaeologically. Ritual in particular serves to acknowledge a specific event of significance to the community, and mortuary ritual is perhaps the fullest expression of this ethnic identity (Beck, 1995: 170-1).