RELIGION: The set of beliefs ([Sacred Tradition]), rules (tabus), and activities (including rituals) that govern the life of a society with regard to those superhuman forces with which the individual feels himself surrounded and which neither he nor his group by themselves can control. Religious practice includes prayers or requests for the continuance of well-being and life’s necessities, thanksgiving for past blessings, and a belief in the necessity of right conduct of the individuals in their daily living. In all known primitive religions, a belief in some form exists of spirit beings and/or gods with superhuman powers. See [FORMALIZED RELIGION].
ROCK SHELTER: An overhanging rock ledge facing away from the prevailing wind that afforded protection to a primitive [family] from the elements and wild animals.
ROUGH STONE: This term refers to [stone] used as it occurs in nature with virtually no artificial modification other than that resulting from use such as a common [hammerstone], an unworked abrader, or a [grinding stone]. The stone may have a relatively smooth surface due to natural causes.
SACRED TRADITION: The term used here to signify the embodiment of the significant (effective) beliefs and rules that governed the behavior and activities of a primitive tribe in matters relating to the unseen world of spirits (or gods) and unknown forces, which were handed down from generation to generation. It is usually included in the inept term “[mythology]” which may also contain tales and legends that serve for mere entertainment.
SELF-DOMESTICATION [STAGE]: The earliest stage of true human [culture] which began presumably with the discovery of controlled [flint] chipping and the invention of flint tool types. During this stage, man is enabled to secure a fairly constant food supply by hunting and collecting, keeps his young under parental care and control for several years and learns to accommodate himself more or less peaceably to his [family] and to fellow tribesmen during brief periods of religious and social gatherings.
SHAMAN: A person who by virtue of dreams or visions believes he can communicate with spirits, obtain from them superhuman powers for the benefit of his social group and tribe and who has demonstrated these abilities over a greater or longer time to the satisfaction of his fellows.
SHELLS, MARINE: Shells from the ocean or Gulf of Mexico, raw materials secured by traders or through exchange for other goods. The most common marine shells found in Illinois cultures are the Cassis madagascarensis (Hopewellian), the Busycon or Fulgar (Middle [Mississippi] and Hopewellian), Marginella (Initial [Woodland], Hopewellian and Middle Mississippi), Oliva (Middle Mississippi), and Olivella (Hopewellian).
SOCIAL ASPECT: That division of primitive [culture] that is concerned preeminently with preserving and stabilizing fundamental customs, with the maintenance of peace and order within its primary social units, and to this end, in the organization, functioning and continuation of such units.
SOCIAL CONTROL: Any general social means by which a social or political group preserves peace and order within itself and group protection against outsiders (see [Family-type] and [Political Agency]).
SOCIAL STRUCTURE: The persisting system of significant relationships in a society that prevails without regard to the particular individuals involved.