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Rare Photograph of the Ceremonial Cave Entrance at Mounds State Park

Rare Photograph of the Ceremonial Cave Entrance at Mounds State Park

Photograph of the cave entrance at the bottom of the bluff on the White River. Several historical accounts described the cave as possible extending to the earthwork complex above.

Map showing the entrance to the cave at the bottom of the bluff along with one of several of the natural springs.


History of Madison County, Indiana, 1880
        Above the spring represented in Plate E, and below the upper edge of the bluff, there are visible evidences of what appears to have been a subterranean passage communicating with the circular works A. It is said to have been, at one time, explored for a distance of sixty feet, where a round chamber, twelve feet in diameter, was reached. Beyond this the passage was closed, or nearly so, rendering a more extended exploration impracticable.

The spring that is situated at the cave entrance.  The high level of iron oxides has stained the stones a deep red color. Red ochre was symbolic of the menses and regenerating powers of Mother Earth.

Serpentine stone mound situated adjacent to the entrance to the cave entrance.  The serpent was the symbolic consort of the Earth Mother.

Posted by toton at 5:16 PM

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