Animal Carvings from Mounds of the Mississippi Valley Second Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, 1880-81, Government Printing Office, Washington, 1883, pages 117-166

This fascinating study dives into the carved animal figures uncovered from the ancient mounds of the Mississippi Valley. The author walks listeners through a gallery of sculptures—manatees, toucans, owls, rattlesnakes and more—highlighting the surprising level of decorative skill those mound‑builders achieved. By comparing these works with the artistry of later Native peoples, the narrative gently probes long‑standing debates about cultural continuity and artistic development without taking a rigid stance.

Beyond the vivid descriptions of each carved animal, the program explores the wider significance of the objects, especially the intricately shaped pipes that often served both ritual and practical purposes. Listeners will learn how researchers interpret these pieces as possible totemic symbols, and how they fit into the broader picture of prehistoric life along the great river valleys. The result is an engaging, well‑balanced portrait of a bygone civilization’s creative spirit, perfect for anyone curious about early American archaeology.