Week 2, post 1

According to several of the possible interpretations of Wisconsin's effigy mounds, they fit into Geertz's definition of religion. Geertz describes a system of symbols: with the thunderbird, bear, and water-panther representing the elemental states of air, earth, and water, respectively, this seems to be the case. There is also some debate about whether these beings symbolized clan affiliation as well, given the fact that most were concentrated in particular areas, though generally with an opposing effigy for balance. In this way, they do seem to "formulate conceptions of a general order of existence" by their symbolism, location, and balance towards one another.