Mounds

Geertz's definition of religion applies to the effigy mounds that the American Indians created in Wisconsin quite nicely. Geertz says that religion "is a system of symbols which acts to establish powerful, pervasive, and long-lasting moods and motivations in men by formulating conceptions of a general order of existence and clothing these conceptions with such an aura of factuality that the moods and motivations seem uniquely realistic." According to some archaeologists and Native Americans, effigy mounds were often representations of earth, sky, and water spirits. Some were built to specifficaly resemble animals and others used more abstract forms. These effigy mounds established a system of symbols that reinforced beliefs and customs in an effort to unite multiple clans in a general concept of the order of existence. That the mounds were physical representations helped to 'clothe' these conceptions with a unique aura of factuality.

Wow, Geertz... that's genius right there.