Etowah Indian Mounds Artifacts To Return To Cartersville

CARTERSVILLE, GA – Hidden away in the vaults of the Smithsonian for nearly 100 years, artifacts from the Etowah Indian Mounds will finally return to Georgia for a special exhibit at Tellus Science Museum.

Set to open Saturday, Nov. 5, the exhibit From Clay to Copper: Minerals and Artifacts of Etowah will run through Oct. 1, 2017.

The never-before-seen exhibit will have more than 60 archaeological objects on loan from the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. The objects were excavated from the Etowah Indian Mounds in Cartersville during the late 1880's and early 1900's.

The local site dates back to the Woodland and Mississippian periods and was home to Native Americans for more than 500 years. The artifacts reveal the early mining heritage and rich trading culture of the area.

The collection includes a copper plate embossed with the classic “Birdman” image, which is often associated with powerful leaders. Pottery, tools, and exquisitely carved ceremonial objects used by the native people will also be on display, providing a glimpse into Mississippian culture.

Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site is the most intact Mississippian Culture site in the southeast, protecting six earthen mounds, defensive ditch, and village site. The site is nine miles south of Tellus Science Museum.

For more information about Tellus Science Museum call 770-606- 5700 or visit the website or its Facebook page.

Images via Tellus Science Museum