siOBX; - Smithsonian Institution

SWANTON] CHOCTAW SOCIAL AND CBEEMONIAL LIFE 9
tlie rampart—together with the legendary traditions connected with them,
leads one irresistibly to the conviction that this locality was the great center
of Choctaw population during the prehistoric period. It should here be stated
that the symmetry of the mound has been somewhat marred by a tunnel
whicli was cut into it in the summer of 189G by some treasure-seekers, who
vainly hoped to unearth some wonderful bonanza from out the deep bosom
of Nanih Waiya." . . . The ravages of civilization have still spared some
traces of two broad, deeply worn roads or highways connected with the
mound, in which now stand large oak trees. The remnant of one of these
highways, several hundred yards long, can be seen on the east side of the
creek, running toward the southeast. The other is on the west side of the
creek, the traces nearest the mound being at the northeastern part of the
rampart, thence running towards the north. Many years ago this latter road
was traced by an old citizen of Winston County full twenty miles to the
north until it was lost in Noxubee swamp, in the northeastern part of Winston
County."
Correct measurements of the works are contained in Doctor
Brown's book.
The famous Nanih Waiya . . . stands in Winston County about ten miles
south-east of Noxapater. The name signifies in Choctaw " slanting hill." It
is a typical rectangular mound, 218 feet long by 140 feet wide at the base,
thus covering seven-tenths of an acre. The axis is north-west by south-east.
The dimensions of the flat top are 132 feet by 56 feet, the area being onesixth
of an acre. The height is 22 feet, in some places nearly 25 feet. The
slopes of the mound are covered with trees ; the top seems to have been cultivated.
A heavy rain set in during my survey of the site, July 6, 1917, and
prevented a completion of my study.
I visited the site again on August 3, 1923, and located one section of the
earth-wall or rampart near the residence, more than half a mile from the
great mound. This section of the wall is now 2.5 to 4 feet high and about
a hundred yards long. The resident on the farm states that four sections
of the earth-wall still exist. The low mound about 250 yards to the north-
east of the great mound is now about 7 or 8 feet high, and very much spread
by cultivation. Artifacts are scarce.
The great Nanih Waiya retains its original height and is still in a state of
excellent preservation, tho the small mounds and the wall have been much
reduced. This historic mound should be preserved for all time to come."
The writer examined this interesting spot in May, 1918, and took
photographs of the principal mound and the small mound. (PI. 2.)
From a former owner he learned definitely that the top had been
cultivated, as Professor Brown supposes. The interest of the site
itself and the web of traditions attaching to it should move the State
of Mississippi to adopt Professor Brown's recommendation by ob-
taining permanent possession of it and securing the old structures for
all time against the destructive influences to which they are now
exposed.
» Pubs. Miss. Hist. Soc, n, pp. 223-224.
1" Ibid., p. 227. See also The American Antiquarian, Vol. xiii, pp. 348-349.
"Brown, Calvin S., op. cit., p. 24.
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