One of the most fascinating things about the Indian Mounds of Wisconsin is just how well they fit in with the natural world. While they are outlined for easier viewing today, at the time of their creation the mounds would have simply risen up as part of the landscape. What is even more remarkable is the fact that, despite the amount of dirt used in their making, no evidence was found of giant holes to obtain such materials- it seems most likely that the mounds' creators took a little bit here, a little bit there, in a sustainable fashion that would not harm any one area.
It is almost inconceivable to think of this kind of care being taken today. Our current society does not worry much about living in balance with the natural world- at this point, we have created a system where there is very little of the natural world left that has not very deeply felt the effects of human civilization. Even our most mundane "monuments-" buildings, parking lots, (even our customary graveyards require the clearing and extensive manicuring of the land), end up pushing nature away rather than trying to live alongside it.
One thing that I thought of in relation to these ideas is Robert Jetson's environmental art piece, "Spiral Jetty." 1500 feet long and 15 feet wide, this spiral coil in the middle of Utah's Great Salt Lake was intended as a statement for environmental protection and against an increasingly consumeristic art world. The rocks used were all native to the area, but certainly some direct changing of the landscape (and hardcore use of dumptrucks) was necessary for the piece's creation. On the other hand, in recent years, the presence of "Spiral Jetty" has prevented oil drilling in the lake that would otherwise damage it's delicate ecosystems.
I really like how you wrote about how little the Native Americans affected their environment because like you said in this day and age no matter what we make we impact our environments extemely.You brought up a really good point.
ReplyDeleteI find the connection that you made between environment and society true. I also find it interesting that the land that is being preserved is historical land, particularily land that is considered to have some form of importance in society.
ReplyDeleteGreat use of spiral jetty! I tried to use this one day in my Hebrew Prophets class.. and it would be great to use in intro. It brings up a whole bunch of subjects we have been talking about..
ReplyDeleteJetson's "Spiral Jetty" reminds me of Native American mounds, too. One thing that I really like about the jetty is that its visual presence is completely dependent on the environment within which it exists. The jetty is usually only fully visible during periods of drought (which is when it was built) and it becomes completely submerged when the water level returns to its normal point.
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