Zoomorphic effigies from the Fish Lake Site

In the summer of 2007, two large Patrick phase occupations were excavated at the Fish Lake site locality in Monroe County, Illinois. Among other materials, a significant number of ceramic effigies were uncovered. The majority of these effigies are zoomorphic, primarily portraying aquatic birds and canid species. The first part of this article focuses on the detailed description of the effigies. By using Native American mythology in addition to several ethnographical sources and archaeological data, the second part of this article will attempt to understand the potential function of these effigies as well as the role that each animal played in Late Woodland society in the American Bottom.