Journal of the Iowa Archeological Society
Volume 23, 1976
R. Clark Mallam, Editor
Keyes & Orr Memorial Issue
The first section of this paper defines the ethnohistoric approach and discusses the kinds of studies which may result from its use. The advantages of ethnohistoric research for the archeologist working with historic Indian sites are particularly stressed, with special attention given to the proper methodology to be used in identification of archeological remains with historic tribes. Cautionary advice in the use of written records is presented, particularly in regard to those of the French colonial period. The second section of the paper furnishes examples of how information drawn from archeology and written records can interrelate after a sound "bridge" has been built between specific archeological material and a historic ethnic group. It can benefit interpretation and point up problems for further research.
This memorial bibliography contains material written by or about Charles R. Keyes and Ellison J. Orr, material collected and compiled by them, and the locations of this material. It contains all the known items of the above types, and while there may be certain scattered bits that become known in the future, the bulk of the significant material is presented here and for the first time. Because of the complex nature and variety of this material, special bibliographic forms and order have been created. These are explained in the introduction and in the explanation of bibliographic format. Our intent was to organize the material in the manner that would be easiest for data retrieval by researchers from several fields, for many purposes. Although the men were best known for their work in archeology, there is much to be gained by historians, geographers, German linguists, botanists, geologists, and ornithologists from the mass of material presented in this bibliography.
The Mound Builder myth occupies a prominent position in American cultural history. Its central thesis, that the earthen mounds of North America were constructed by a superior vanished race unrelated to the Indians touched off a major academic controversy that lasted throughout the nineteenth century. While the evolution of the myth and its eventual discreditation has been well documented, little attention has been directed toward explaining its persistence and function. By reviewing the evolution of the myth and analyzing it within the context of nineteenth century American culture and Indian-White relations, it can be postulated that the image of the Indian as a savage was an instrumental factor in the perpetuation of the myth. When this image is combined with the nature of nineteenth century educational practices, it can be argued that the myth functioned to justify subjugation of the Indian. Far from being dead, the myth still survives in contemporary American culture; and its survival is integrally linked to the image of the savage, an inferior being incapable of creating monumental works.
Journal of the Iowa Archeological Society
Webpage by Heidi M. Thunhorst, September 3, 2002.