September activities at Cahokia Mounds

COLLINSVILLE - Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site will host an American Indian Educational Day, an annual competition by the Missouri Atlatl Association, an observance of the Fall Equinox Sunrise, a Nature/Culture Hike, and Artifact Identification Day during September.

The St. Louis American Indian Consortium will hold a free event, "American Indian Educational Day," on Saturday, September 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Interpretive Center auditorium. They will set up several tables with people making and selling crafts, including beadwork and hide tanning. There will also be information tables hosted by the Buder Center for American Indian Studies from Washington University and other groups. American Indian Educational Day takes the place this year of the annual September Indian Pow Wow.

The Missouri Atlatl Association will hold its annual competition on Saturday and Sunday, September 13 and 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the field behind the Interpretive Center. They will compete for distance and accuracy with these ancient spearthrowing devices that were used by American Indians for 10,000 years before the appearance of the bow and arrow around AD 400-500. Atlatls and spears made of both traditional and modern materials and will be scored according to the rules of the International Atlatl Association. Visitors may observe the contest and there may be a public area where they can try their hand at throwing spears with an atlatl.

An observance of the Fall Equinox Sunrise will be held Sunday, September 21 at the reconstructed Woodhenge, one-half mile west of Monks Mound on Collinsville Road. Visitors should arrive by 6:30 a.m. to hear an archaeologist explain about the discovery of the Woodhenges, how they work, and what we know about them and the Mississippian culture that built Cahokia and these post-circle monuments. No rituals or ceremonies will be held out of respect for American Indians and their beliefs.

A three-mile Nature/Culture Hike will be held on Saturday, September 27 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., taking participants through grassland, marsh, and forest environments with an archaeologist and a naturalist. They will explain areas where excavations and other research have been conducted, what is known about each mound along the path, and how the Indians utilized various plants for food, medicine, dyes, fiber, and other uses. Participants should dress for the weather and bring water and insect repellant. The hike will be canceled if it is raining.

Artifact Identification Day will take place from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, September 28 in the Interpretive Center auditorium. People who have single Indian artifacts or whole collections may bring them in for several archaeologists to examine. They will determine the general age of the item, the material from which it is made, and its function. No monetary appraisals will be given.

Cahokia Mounds will remain open five days a week, Wednesday through Sunday, even after state budget cuts have forced several other sites in the area to close. Visitors should check the schedule and Calendar of Events at www.cahokiamounds.com for any changes or updates..

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, administered by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, is just eight miles from downtown St. Louis in Collinsville, Illinois, off Interstates 55/70 (Exit 6) and Interstate 255 (Exit 24) on Collinsville Road. There is no admission fee but a donation of $4 for adults, $2 for children and $10 for families is suggested. For more information, call (618) 346-5160, or visit www.cahokiamounds.com.