What evidence do we have of Mississippian cultural contact?

• A. Extensive written records found in the mounds
• B. Abalone shells from the Pacific and artwork similar to Maya
• C. Domesticated horses introduced by Europeans
• D. Iron tools from Norse explorers

Answer: (B)

Mississippian cultural contact is shown through material evidence that travelled far beyond their heartland and through outside artistic influences. Abalone shells from the Pacific found at Mississippian sites prove long-distance exchange, since these shells would not be local to the Mississippi region. Their presence indicates networks reaching across large distances and bringing exotic goods into Mississippian communities. In addition, artwork or motifs that resemble Maya designs demonstrate exposure to Mesoamerican imagery, suggesting cultural interactions or diffusion beyond their immediate neighbors.

Other options don’t fit as well. Written records in mounds aren’t what we typically find in Mississippian sites, which relied on material remains rather than writing. Domesticated horses introduced by Europeans reflect post-contact changes rather than earlier cross-regional interactions within the Mississippian period. Iron tools from Norse explorers aren’t characteristic evidence of Mississippian contact and aren’t widely attested in their contexts.