82 THE WINNEBAGO TRIBE . [eth. ans. 37 



short that they approach the oval and platfoiin mound types, while the longest are 

 over 900 feet in length. 



The straight pointed linear is usually of considerable length and differs from the 

 pure linear as given above in having one end tapering to a long drawn out point. . . . 



Club-shaped linears are frequently found . . . and kidney-shaped linears are 

 not wanting. . . . 



The various linear types described above are sometimes modified by an enlargement 

 at one end. . . . This ranges from a low, flattened enlargement to a rounded, 

 well built conical mound. Various projections or appendages to some of the linear 

 forms . . . give figures that shade toward effigies proper. These tj-pes of linear 

 mounds are mingled in the mound groups as shown in the various group plats. . . . 



Besides the types already discussed there are peculiar comliinations and composite 

 mounds which do not admit of any rational explanation.^ 



Many explanations have been given by investigators and, for that 

 matter, by Indians themselves, of the significance of these linear 

 mounds. Not only is it necessary to account for the peculiar and 

 manifold shapes, but for the equally strange combinations into which 

 they have entered. With regard to the latter type, Mr. Stout 

 refuses even to suggest an interpretation. He, however, takes a 

 determined stand with regard to the linear mounds proper and 

 interprets them as having been constructed for the purpose of 

 symbolizing inanimate things, and consequently as really conven- 

 tionalized effigies. This seems to him the only satisfactory explana- 

 tion. " It is evident," he says, " that there are intermediate or transi- 

 tional forms between the linears and the pure effigy types with which 

 they are mingled."* He admits the existence of linear mounds ex- 

 tending westward into Minnesota and Manitoba, far beyond the 

 limits of the effigy type, but he does not believe it necessary either 

 to regard these latter as effigies or to change his interpretation of 

 the significance of the former. Mr. Stout's interpretation is indeed 

 a purely arbitrary one. Whereas his identification of the effigy 

 mounds was based upon information obtained directly from some 

 Winnebago Indians, that of the linear is based upon what he thought 

 was the necessity of the case. 



Inquiries made among the Winnebago of Wisconsin by the writer 

 brought out the fact that the Indians were unanimous in claiming 

 their forefathers as the authors of the momids, but they were not 

 at all unanimous as to their significance. By far the largest number 

 of individuals, however, insisted that these linears were defensive 

 works behind which they dodged during battle. These must not be 

 confused with anything in the nature of breastworks or fortifications. 

 The Indians claimed that these 'mounds ought to be found in gi'eat 

 numbers along Lake Koshkonong, because it was there that a terrific 

 struggle had once been waged by the Winnebago against one of 



' Ohio .\rchaeologicaland Historical Quarterly, Vol. XX, no. 1, Jan., 1911, pp. 22-23. 

 * Ibid., pp. 24-26. 



