A Downland Trek

[saxonaxe]

" many Natives in my area also made similar burial mounds. "

I'm only guessing, but I suspect that the absolute importance of Mother Earth to both those peoples, in your part of the world and mine, made it natural that the bodies would be returned to earth, very often with tools, utensils or weapons for the next life.

[cockney greg]

I love the South Downs and haven't been for many a year. Thank you Saxonaxe, you've truly inspired me to revisit.

[saxonaxe]

'Tis a beautiful land Greg, and only an hour + from the smoke. Get yourself down here mate.

[Stevie B]

Great stuff mate.

[OakAshandThorn]

" many Natives in my area also made similar burial mounds. "

I'm only guessing, but I suspect that the absolute importance of Mother Earth to both those peoples, in your part of the world and mine, made it natural that the bodies would be returned to earth, very often with tools, utensils or weapons for the next life.

Your guess is right - numerous tribes in the northeast buried their dead with tools. It isn't uncommon to unearth stone arrowheads, spear points, or even metal demahigan (tomahawk) heads at these sites.