The southeastern ceremonial complex: The evolution of a concept

Authors

Brett J. Millan, University of Texas-Pan American

Date of Award

5-2005

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (MAIS)

Department

Anthropology

First Advisor

Dr. Sheila Pozorski

Second Advisor

Dr. Thomas Pozorski

Third Advisor

Dr. Mark Glazer

Abstract

Since the late 19 th century, anthropologists and archaeologists have attempted to explain and interpret an artistic phenomenon that flourished in the southeastern United States. For years explorations in that area unearthed exquisite examples of unique objects with bewildering motifs, and in 1945, Antonio Waring, Jr. and Preston Holder defined the art style as an expression of a ceremonial complex that swept through that region around the 15 th century. The interpretation took fifty years to evolve into the “Southeastern Ceremonial Complex,” and since then, new discoveries, methodologies and theories have changed the concept even further, and in the future, researchers will continue to seek answers as to the origins and purpose of this enigmatic phenomenon.

Comments

Copyright 2005 Brett J. Millan. All Rights Reserved.

https://go.openathens.net/redirector/utrgv.edu?url=https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/southeastern-ceremonial-complex-evolution-concept/docview/305039694/se-2?accountid=7119

Granting Institution

University of Texas-Pan American