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Snakes, another ubiquitous inhabitant of wetlands and swamps, are also represented in Mississippian art. Typically, the detail is such that the species of snake can not be determined, and likely was not meant to be represented. Rather, a generalized legless serpent body is portrayed with body parts of other animals, notably the head of a panther. The panther, or more accurately parts of the panther, are another important natural icon in Mississippian art. Historically, this species (Felis concolor) is cosmopolitan in its distribution, surviving well in habitats where its main food source, deer, is abundant. Wetlands and swamps are one preferred panther habitat, however, possibly because of the dense vegetation found here (ENV). Also, it is worth noting that although panthers have an aversion to water, they are particularly good swimmers.


QTVR of Birger figurine, BBB Motors site.

Characteristics of snakes related to their natural habitat, behavior or perhaps their role in a particular myth or myths are being conveyed. Whether or not there is any specific message beyond their association with wetlands is unknown. They clearly constitute part of a mythical or supernatural being.

Front view of the West figurine with rattlesnake headdress, Sponemann site.
Although rare, rattlesnakes are also known in Mississippian art. When depicted, the triangular head and rattles are clearly displayed. Although some rattlesnakes in eastern North American, notably Massausagas, prefer wet prairies and bogs, the other common rattler in the American Bottom, the timber rattler, has more generalized habitat preferences. Regardless of their overall habitat preference, however, rattlesnakes will congregate, often in large numbers, where mice and other rodents are abundant - places such as dry land after spring flooding, maize fields, and places where grain is stored.


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