De Soto Chronicles describe elaborate temple at Cofitachequi with pearl-adorned burials. De Soto's chronicler Lewis de Mo Moscoso described a temple over 100 paces long and 40 wide with reed mat roofs Temple contained 12 wooden carved giant statues (12 feet tall down to smaller sizes) holding weapons Burial chests contained chiefs, sons, brothers, and nephews with wooden portrait statues above each
De Soto's chronicler described an extraordinary temple at Cofitachequi: over 100 paces long with reed mat roofs, housing twelve carved wooden statues reaching 12 feet tall bearing weapons. Burial chests contained chiefs, sons, brothers and nephews each with portrait statues above. The site held 60,000 bows and arrows, spears, axes, pearls, and decorated weapons. Notably, 28 wampum belts (now repatriated) and Christian rosaries with crosses dating to the 6th-7th century were also found here.
Key Facts
- De Soto's chronicler Lewis de Mo Moscoso described a temple over 100 paces long and 40 wide with reed mat roofs
- Temple contained 12 wooden carved giant statues (12 feet tall down to smaller sizes) holding weapons
- Burial chests contained chiefs, sons, brothers, and nephews with wooden portrait statues above each
- 60,000 bows and arrows, spears, and axes described in the temple
- Pearls, seed pearls, shields, and decorated weapons filled multiple rooms
- Christian rosaries with crosses found in the mound dating to 6th-7th century
- 28 wampum belts found in the mound representing clan symbols
- Shells came from inland rivers where freshwater mussels produce pearls
Source: The Roundtable Chronicles - Ep. 21 by Institute for Natural Philosophy