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A mound is a general term for an artificial Pile of Earth , Gravel , Sand , Rock s, or Debris . The most common use is in reference to natural earthen formation such as Hill s and Mountain s, particularly if they appear artificial. The term may also be applied to any rounded area of Topographically higher Elevation on any surface. NORTH AMERICAN ARCHAEOLOGY See Also: Mound builder (people) In the Archaeology of the United States and Canada , the term "mound" has specific and technical connotations. In this sense, a mound is a deliberately constructed elevated earthen structure or Earthwork , intended for a range of potential uses. In European and Asian archaeology, the word Tumulus may be used as a synonym for artificial hills, particularly if they are related to particular burial customs. While the term "mound" may be applied to historic constructions, most mounds in the United States are Prehistoric earthworks, built by Native American peoples. Native Americans built a variety of mounds, including flat-topped pyramids or cones known as Platform Mound s, rounded cones, and ridge or loaf-shaped mounds. Some mounds took on unusual shapes, such as the outline of cosmologically significant animals. These are known as Effigy Mound s. Some mounds, such as a few in Wisconsin , have rock formations, or Petroforms within them, on them, or near them. Petroforms may have been more commonly used prior to mound building. While these Mounds are perhaps not as famous as Burial mounds, like their European analogs, Native American mounds also have a variety of other uses. While some prehistoric cultures, like the Adena Culture , used mounds preferentially for burial, others used mounds for other ritual and sacred acts, as well as for secular functions. The Platform Mound s of the Mississippian Culture , for example, may have supported Temple s, the houses of Chief s, Council House s, and may have also acted as a platform for public speaking. Other mounds would have been part of defensive walls to protect a certain area. The Hopewell Culture used mounds as markers of complex astronomical alignments related to ceremonies. Mounds and related earthworks are the only significant Monument al construction in prehistoric Eastern and Central North America. ARCHAEOLOGY ELSEWHERE Mound, as a technical term in archaeology, is not generally in favor in the rest of the world. More specific local terminology is preferred, and each of these terms has its own article (see below). MOUND TYPES
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