The lavishly illustrated Cat Serpents: Underwater Spirits in Mississippian Pottery is a fascinating look at the unique combinations of animal, bird, reptilian, and human characteristics created 1500 years ago by mound building people living in the Mississippi River Valley of Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas. Hundreds of full color photographs illustrate the varied forms and are accompanied by detailed descriptions. Thoughtful articles interpreting the mythology and traditions of the Dhegihan people of the Mississippian Culture bring a new understanding to the symbolism of the Cat Serpent effigies