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[Audio] Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site Hosts Gorget Workshop this Weekend

Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site
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Over 700 years ago, before the time of Daniel Boone and even Columbus, a community of ancient Native Americans thrived in a network of villages lining the Mississippi River. This weekend, children and adults alike can glimpse into that past at Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site with a Mississippian Culture Gorget (pronounced 'gor-jet') Workshop. Park Manager Carla Hildebrand and Park Programmer Jessica Crisp speak with Kate on Sounds Good about the workshop and guided tour this Saturday.

Wickliffe Mounds is an archeological site situated in Ballard County along the Mississippi River once occupied by ancient Native Americans. The site now houses a museum of an excavated mound and the archeological artifacts found within when it was first discovered by a private owner in the 1930’s.

Once a part of a vast network of villages positioned every 10-12 miles along the river, the site is also home to a ceremonial mound, archeological trail walk, picnic areas and a shelter where educational workshops are conducted.

The workshop, with two start times, will begin at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. and is a great activity for parents, grandparents and children alike.

Participants will be creating a gorget, a pendant worn around the neck by either a string or necklace and typically made from shell or copper. Clay will be the material used during this workshop.

In ancient times, an image of particular importance to the wearer would be carved on the gorget. While participants will be encouraged to engrave images important to them, they will be educated on the different images historically important to the Mississippians such as spiders, woodpeckers and village warriors.

The cost for participation is $5 for adults and $4 for seniors and children. The site is located on 94 Green Street in Wickliffe, KY. More information can be found by calling the park at 270-335-3681 or on their website.

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