Agricultural practices: Another theory suggests that the Effigy Mounds were associated with agricultural practices. Some Native American tribes used effigy mounds to symbolize fertility and to ask for good harvests. The effigy mounds may have also functioned as markers for hunting and gathering grounds.
Astronomical observations: Some researchers propose that the Effigy Mounds had astronomical significance. The orientations and alignments of certain mounds suggest that they were used to track celestial events, such as the movements of the sun and stars.
Historical and cultural record: The Effigy Mounds provide a glimpse into the cultural practices and traditions of the Native American tribes that built them. They offer insights into the artistic and engineering abilities of these ancient societies and contribute to our understanding of their social and political organization.
Territory marking and defense: Effigy Mounds may have functioned as territorial markers or defensive structures. The large size of some mounds and their distinctive shapes may have served to deter potential adversaries or signal territorial boundaries.
It's important to note that these explanations are not mutually exclusive, and it's likely that the Effigy Mounds served multiple purposes and held various meanings for different groups of people over time.