American pursuit to dig deep...

By Muahammad Irfan Aziz

 No visit to Ohio would be complete without seeing the mysterious Hopewell  mounds located in the Chillicothe area. With a well trained and prepared guide Mellinda Repko to lead the way into archaeological site belonging to the ancient Hopewell traditions and the US ancient civilization, it became a source of insight into the United States genuine pursuit of its ancient history.

Ms Melinda  informed the SUSI group that the modern city of Chillicothe was said to be the centre of the 200-500 BCE old ancient civilization that was later named as Hopewell by Warren K. Moorhead after he discovered Hopewell Mound Groups in 1891-92.

The Hopewell tradition was a widely dispersed set of related human settlements, connected by common routes.  These ancient people built mounds for ceremonial, burial and other mysterious purposes throughout the valleys of Scioto and Ohio River.  The Hopewellians would cremate most their deceased and reserved burial for only the most important people. There are no signs which reflect a settlement of people living in groups and societies. Most homes are found scattered in the area.

Meticulous geometrical earthwork between various Hopewellian settlements lying at the hundred s of kilometres from each other is still under debate. Due to considerable evidence and surveys, more information would be available soon.

Very impressive and thought provoking documentary was also arranged for the visiting SUSI scholars and other visitors of the sight on the day.  Monuments found from the site and their replicas were well placed. Literature and colouring and story books for children were could also be bought from the museum.

The visit to the ancient Hopewellian tradition and site spoke volume about the American struggle to find pre historic evidence of human settlements in the area today called the United States. The visit reminded me and other South Asian scholars the great sites of the Moen-jo-daro discovered by Sir John Marshall in the area now included in Pakistan in 1922. The site is said to be as old as 2500 BCE and is of the same age as ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia and Norte Chico (Peru).

American struggle of finding its ancient roots is not only remarkable in many senses but it is vigorous too. The discovery and further research on Caral Supe,Olmec Civilization, Maya Civilization, Zoptec Civilization, Nasca Civilization, Tiwanaku Civilization, Wari Civilization, Inca Civilization, Mississipian  Civilization  and Aztec Civilization  has contributed meaningfully in the available knowledge about these ancient human beings and the history of humans on earth.  

A country such as the United States with lots and lots of resources available and the right kind of mind and sensitivity in matters of research is expected to continue its pursuit of the American ancient history and is also expected to contribute meaningfully in the discovery and preservation of the other ancient sites at the mercy of ignorant in other parts of the world.