Ingomar Mound Day looks back 2000 years into the past

New Albany, MS- Ingomar Mound Day is set Nov. 12, 2016, 10 – 2. A family event, there will be activities for the young and old.

The 2000 year old mound site is a Middle Woodland site and was first explored and mapped by the Smithsonian in the 1880s. It originally consisted of 13 to 14 mounds, and is the oldest manmade site in Union County.

The atlatl is the hunting weapon used in the area at the time the Ingomar Mound site was built, approximately 2,200 years ago. Bow and arrow usage was developed at least 200 years later.

The second annual Atlatl Competition is set to begin at 11 a.m. The atlatl is an ancient spear thrower used by hunters in the Middle Woodland era. It was developed for hunting before the bow and arrow. The course will have the same dimensions as used by the International Atlatl Association.

Registration begins at 10 a. m. and there will be time for practice throws. Trophies will be given for adult, youth and child. There will also be an archery contest for youth.

Dr. Evan Peacock from Cobb Institute, Mississippi State University will be flint knapping again this year.

Flint knapping demonstrations, mound tours, and artifact identification by Cobb Institute personnel will be available. There will be craft/education stations for children that will relate to the history of the site.

The event is free and weather permitting. The mound site, which is a Mississippi Landmark is located approximately 5 miles south of New Albany and west 2 miles on CR 96. For more information call the Union County Heritage Museum at 662 – 538-0014.