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Most depictions of wetland animals are stylized representations of those animals, not scaled-down copies with detailed, species-specific patterns. Some markings could not be presented on the medium, while some stains and pigments applied to suggest a species-specific skin or feather color may have faded long ago. Nevertheless, where parts of animals are presented as components of a natural or supernatural being, the Mississippian artists left no doubt as to the animals depicted. It seems likely that the Mississippian artists made conscious decisions not to create details unnecessary to representing an identifiable animal species and its associated meaning.

The beaver, one of many wetland animals depicted in Mississippian art.
Beaver effigy pot, Cahokia site, Cahokia Mounds Museum.

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