JCJ Architecture Lecture Series Returns Nov. 10

November 04, 2021

Submitted By: Department of Architecture

The Department of Architecture cordially invites all University faculty, staff, and students to the next event of the JCJ Architecture Fall 2021 Architecture Lecture Series on Wednesday, Nov. 10 at 4 p.m. in Wilde Auditorium. Masks and social distancing will be enforced.

Sarah E. Baires, associate professor of anthropology at Eastern Connecticut State University, will be presenting on, "Religion and the Making of the Native American City Cahokia."

Cahokia, Native North America’s largest polity north of Mexico, sits in the fertile floodplain of the Mississippi River in a region dubbed the American Bottom. This ridge and swale landscape was home to some 200 earthen mounds, at least one large and public plaza space, multiple neighborhoods and a series of small communities in the Richland Uplands just east of the main city. Cahokia emerged on the landscape ca. AD 1050 due largely in part to a regional migration of people into the city along with the expansion of local Terminal Late Woodland groups. These communities came together around a suit of practices that have been called, by some, a new religion. In this presentation I will discuss the role of religion in the creation of Cahokia by looking specifically at the relationship among landscape, mortuary practice, and water as it speaks to a shared suit of beliefs and practices that characterize Cahokia from its emergence through its abandonment.

About Sarah E. Baires

Baires earned her MA and PhD in Anthropology from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. She is an accomplished archaeologist whose research focuses on the pre-Columbian (AD 1050-1400) Native American city of Cahokia, which is located near St. Louis, MO. Her research concerns how cities are built, what draws people to cities, and the role religion plays in the organization of political governments. Dr. Baires also focuses on burial practices and how the burial of the dead can provide unique insight into social relationships. She has published multiple peer-reviewed articles and one book, Land of Water City of the Dead: Religion and Cahokia's emergence. Dr. Baires is also featured in two documentary series: Native America (PBS), and Ancient Mysteries (Smithsonian Channel).

Please note: lectures this semester will be both in-person and remote. Please reference upcoming UNotes announcements for specific event offerings.

Any questions, please email cetacomm@hartford.edu.