Final answer:
A constant in Mississippian artwork and imagery includes symbols such as the horned serpent, a cross in a circle motif, and the Birdman, all connected to the Southeastern Ceremonial Complex. These symbols reinforced the socio-political hierarchy and were often found on exclusive artifacts and earthworks associated with the elite, reflecting the intertwined nature of religion, power, and social status.
Step-by-step explanation:
What was a constant in Mississippian artwork and imagery? The Mississippian culture, thriving between approximately 500 and 1400 CE, is notable for its mound-building practices and the significant role of its religious system, known as the Southeastern Ceremonial Complex. In the artwork and imagery of the Mississippians, several symbols were recurrent, marking the elite's social status and their connection to religious beliefs. Among these symbols, the figure of a snake, often depicted as a horned serpent, a cross in a circle motif, and the Birdman, a warrior/falcon hybrid, are frequently observed. These representations underlined a cosmological significance intertwined with the socio-political structure, reinforcing the authority of the high chieftain, his chiefs, and priests.
The elite class was particularly associated with these symbols, which appeared on artifacts such as cups and shell gorgets—pendants viewed as sacred and powerful. Due to the exclusivity and sacredness of these objects, there is strong archaeological evidence to suggest that only a select group of specialized artisans and the elite could own them. Some artifacts are so similar that they may have been created by the same artist, indicating a very skilled and possibly limited number of craftsmen. The exchange of these objects among the elite points to the existence of political alliances and trade, enhancing the interconnectedness of this culture.
Moreover, the Mississippians are known for their earthworks, including thousands of mounds used for various purposes such as burials for the elite, residences for the chief and his family, and sites for religious worship. These mounds were also symbols of the Mississippian chiefdoms, with the largest towns containing the highest number of these monumental structures.