LookUp

Poster by Santosh Yen. The Look Up Exhibition

The Exhibition was inaugurated at Été Roaster Cafe on 21st September, 2024. With colleagues, fellow from the institute and faculty and students from Kohima College and news reporters present.

The exhibition went for a Month long with students and faculties from different schools, childrens and families from within the institute vicinity and from the main town who heard of it through their friends, social media advertisement and posters that were pasted in cafe and restaurant came together one after another, day after day to learn more about what “Look Up” is and that where they learn about the Canopy that focuses on the plants, the butterflies and the gibbons, The Sky that focuses on the Birds, the Weather and lastly the Space that focuses on the indigenous cosmology where they take part by interacting and entertaining themselves through different elements that was put up on each categories.

Exhibition Concept:

"Symphony of Life"

"Symphony of Life" is an immersive exhibition that explores the fascinating world of plant communication through music. Using Arduino technology, the exhibition brings to life the hidden language of plants, creating an enchanting experience for visitors.

Exhibition Layout:

1. Entrance: Visitors are greeted by a stunning visual representation of a small forest, setting the tone for the exhibition.
2. Plant Station: A series of plants are connected to Arduino sensors, which monitor their responses to environmental stimuli.
3. Music Generation: The sensor data is used to generate music, creating a unique soundscape for each plant.
4. Immersive Experience: Visitors can walk through the room filled with the plants and upon a touch the sounds of the plants are produced, creating an immersive experience.

Arduino Plant Music Technology

1. Sensors: Arduino sensors monitor the plants' responses to environmental stimuli, such as light, temperature, and humidity.
2. Data Processing: The sensor data is processed using Arduino code, generating musical notes and melodies.
3. Music Generation: The generated music is played through a sound system, creating an immersive experience for visitors.

Interactive Elements

1. Plant-Visitor Interaction: Visitors can interact with the plants, influencing the music generated by the Arduino system upon the touch of the plants.
2. Cultural Tapestry on plant used: Boards are set up with information on how the Naga forefathers has been using different plants to represent it's used on medicine, cultural values, taboo, etc

Educational Content

1. Plants Cultural Value: Educational panels and displays explain how plants are an important feed for the Nagas and how its is used being narrated in the exhibition.
2. Environmental Awareness: The exhibition highlights the importance of environmental conservation and the impact of human activity on plant life.

Butterfly Trail:

Butterfly displayed at the Look Up Exhibition. Photo Courtesy- The Highland Institute

7 Butterflies collected by the British Anthropologist from Naga Hills during the 1920s were donated by the Natural History Museum Oxford. 212 butterflies were put up on a hanging mobile of the 7 butterfly species to denote or mark the 212 species recorded in Nagaland. Students and Visitors could take pictures and take one the liked butterfly they want to take it away by adding a ribbon on it making it into a DIY butterfly bookmark.

Here's a concept for a "Look-up" exhibition featuring a butterfly mobile with 212 butterflies, including 7 species donated by the Natural History Museum, Oxford University.

1. (To be filled)

Layout

1. *Entrance*: Visitors enter a spacious, naturally lit area with a soaring ceiling.
2. *Butterfly Mobile*: Suspended from the ceiling, a majestic butterfly mobile stretches 15 feet in diameter, showcasing 212 butterflies in a stunning display of color and movement.
3. *Donated Species*: Seven species of butterflies, donated by the Natural History Museum, Oxford University, are prominently displayed and highlighted through interactive exhibits.
4. *Interactive Displays*: Visitors can engage with interactive displays, learning about the life cycle, habitats, and conservation status of the featured butterfly species.
5. *Relaxation Area*: A peaceful seating area invites visitors to relax, observe, and contemplate the beauty of the butterfly mobile along with a compilation of Books representing each of  elements on the exhibition.

Gibbon Arcade:

A young visitor playing the Arcade. Photo Courtesy- The Highland Institute

Gibbons Beyond the Trees an arcade game develop and published by Broken Rules

Here's a concept for a "Look-up" exhibition at the Gibbon Arcade, utilizing the "Beyond the Trees" game to promote gibbon conservation and Naga history with gibbons:

Exhibition Title: "Swinging Through Time: A Gibbon's Journey"

Overview

"Swinging Through Time" is an immersive exhibition that takes visitors on a thrilling adventure through the world of gibbons. By incorporating the " Gibbons Beyond the Trees" game, this exhibition aims to educate and inspire visitors about gibbon conservation and the rich cultural heritage of the Naga people.

Layout

1. *Gibbon Arcade*: The main exhibition area features a gaming station where visitors can play " Gibbon Beyond the Trees."
2. *Naga History Gallery*: An adjacent gallery showcases the history and culture of the Naga people, highlighting their connection with gibbons.
3. *Game Developer Corner*: An interactive area provides information on gibbon conservation efforts done to promote the gibbons through the developer narrative story of the game.

Game Integration

1. *Gameplay*: Visitors play the "Beyond the Trees" game, navigating through a virtual forest as a gibbon.
2. *Conservation Challenges*: Throughout the game, players encounter conservation challenges, such as deforestation and habitat fragmentation.

Educational Content

1. *Gibbon Biology*: Interactive displays provide information on gibbon behavior, habitat, and conservation status.
2. *Naga Cultural Connections*: An information Board incorporates Naga cultural elements, highlighting the significance of gibbons in Naga mythology and tradition.
3. *Conservation Efforts*: Visitors learn about ongoing conservation initiatives and ways to support gibbon conservation.

Take-Home Experience

"Gibbons Beyond the Trees " is an engaging and educational exhibition that inspires visitors to take action in protecting gibbons and their habitats, while promoting cross-cultural understanding and appreciation of Naga history and tradition.

Sky:

The Birds Sound. Photo Courtesy- The Highland Institute

We set up a board where we added in 9 images and bird calls collected from the Indiabird organization. The birds calls were in random order from 1 to 9 where visitors and students has to press the button and listen to the bird calls and identify the bird call to which bird it belongs to.

"Symphony of the Skies: A Bird Sound Identification Journey"

Overview

"Symphony of the Skies" is an immersive exhibition that invites visitors to explore the fascinating world of birds through their unique sounds. By listening to the distinctive calls and songs of 9 bird species, visitors can test their knowledge and learn to identify these amazing creatures.

Layout

1. *Bird Sound Stations*: Nine interactive buttons, each featuring a different bird species, play their distinctive sounds.
2. *Visual Displays*: Adjacent to the sound button, a visual display showcases the bird's image, and  interesting facts about forest and birds .
3. *Identification Challenge*: Visitors can participate in a fun, interactive challenge to test their bird sound identification skills.

Featured Bird Species

1. *Mountain Bamboo Partridge*: A ground-dwelling bird with a distinctive, melodious call.
2. *Blyth's Leaf Warbler*: A small, energetic bird with a rapid, high-pitched song.
3. *Blue-Throated Barbet*: A colorful bird with a distinctive, repetitive call.
4. *Bronzed Drongo*: A sleek, black bird with a sharp, metallic call.
5. *Naga Wren Babbler*: A small, secretive bird with a distinctive, musical song.
6. *Common Hawk Cuckoo*: A medium-sized bird with a haunting, whistling call.
7. *Great Barbet*: A large, colorful bird with a distinctive, drumming call.
8. *Hornbill*: A large, iconic bird with a distinctive, casque-like call.
9. *Green-Backed Tit*: A small, energetic bird with a high-pitched, whistling song.

Educational Content

1. *Bird Sound Identification*: Tips and tricks for identifying birds by their sounds.
2. *Conservation Efforts*: Information on local and global conservation initiatives to protect bird habitats and populations.

Take-Home Experience

1. (To Be Filled)

Amur Falcon Migration: "Falcon Frenzy" Buzzer Game

Amur Falcon Buzzer game. Photo Courtesy- The Highland Institute

A giant buzzer game was made with a board that mapped the Amur Falcon birds migration route from the southern hemisphere to the northern hemisphere.

It was an entertaining game where the players had to make the Amur Falcon fly  from one end to the other.

Overview

To highlight the incredible journey of the Amur Falcon, the world's longest migratory bird, and the importance of conservation efforts.

• *Nesting Grounds (China/Russia)*: Start of the Amur Falcon's migration journey.
• *Stopover Sites (India/SE Asia)*: Critical refueling points during migration.
• *Wintering Grounds (Africa)*: Destination of the Amur Falcon's migration.
• *Conservation Challenges*: Stations highlighting threats to the Amur Falcon's migration, such as habitat destruction, hunting, and climate change.

1. Each team takes turns rolling a die to determine how many spaces they can move.
2. When a team lands on a station, they must answer a trivia question related to the Amur Falcon's migration or conservation.
3. If they answer correctly, they can continue their journey. If they answer incorrectly, they must return to the previous station.

Conservation Connection:

1. Throughout the game, highlight the importance of conservation efforts, such as protecting stopover sites, addressing climate change, and promoting sustainable hunting practices.
2. Emphasize the role of local communities, governments, and international organizations in protecting the Amur Falcon's migration route.

Winning Conditions:

1. The first team to reach the *Wintering Grounds (Africa)* station wins.
2. Bonus points can be awarded for correctly answering conservation-related questions or completing challenges.

By playing "Falcon Frenzy," players will gain a deeper appreciation for the Amur Falcon's incredible migration journey and the importance of conservation efforts to protect this magnificent species.

Weather :

The water system being explained to the visiotors. Photo Courtesy- The Highland Institute

Weather Proverbs section. Photo Courtesy- The Highland Institute

We set up a traditional water bamboo system to give our visitors and students a physical set up system on how the Naga forefathers used to bring water from a stream to the village using the bamboo irrigation system. Along with it , we added some stories about how different rituals were used and how dreams were used to implicate rain forecasting.

Here's an expanded concept for the "Look-up" exhibition featuring a traditional water bamboo system and weather proverbs:

"Ancient Wisdom: Unveiling Naga Traditions and Weather Lore"

Overview

"Ancient Wisdom" is an immersive exhibition that delves into the traditional practices and weather forecasting methods of the Naga people. By recreating a traditional water bamboo system and showcasing weather proverbs, this exhibition offers a unique glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Naga community.

Layout

1. *Traditional Water Bamboo System*: A life-size replica of the ancient bamboo irrigation system, demonstrating how the Naga forefathers brought water from streams to villages.
2. *Storytelling Area*: A board space where visitors can read the narrative about Naga rituals, dreams, and rain forecasting practices.
3. *Weather Proverbs Station*: An interactive display featuring 9 weather proverbs from various Naga communities (Ao, Rengma, Lotha, Khiamnuingan, Meithi, and Rongmie). Visitors can draw a proverb and learn about its significance.
4. *Naga Traditional Tools and Artifacts*: A showcase of traditional Naga tools and artifacts related to agriculture, hunting, and daily life.

Weather Proverbs

A fellow of The Highland Institute, donated 9 weather proverbs namely from the community of Ao, Rengma, Lotha, Khiamnuingan, Meithi, Rongmie the visitors drew their luck to see which of the proverbs they'll get. And all the 9 proverbs has to do with weather.

Educational Content

1. *Naga Traditional Practices*: Information on Naga customs, rituals, and daily life.
2. *Weather Forecasting Methods*: Insights into traditional weather forecasting methods used by the Naga people.
3. *Importance of Bamboo*: Information on the significance of bamboo in Naga culture and its uses.

Take-Home Experience

Weather Proverb: A lucky draw featuring the 9 weather proverbs and their explanations.

Space:

A visual of the Galaxy Golf Course. Photo Courtesy- The Highland Institute

Galaxy Golf Course:

The visual of the golf course was to let the Audience feel like they were Shooting a star where the illuminating golf ball was the star and the golf club was the stick.

Students and Visitor's entertainment themselves by playing 5 of the Golf courses under an illuminating UV light with plants that glow in the dark, Illustration of Folklore from Northeast about constellations that were named in their own dialect.

Overview

"Shooting for the Stars" is an immersive and interactive exhibition that combines golf, astronomy, and folklore from Northeast India. Visitors are transported to a magical world where they can play golf under UV light, surrounded by glowing plants and illustrations of constellations from Northeast Indian folklore.

Layout

1. Glowing Golf Course: A 5-hole mini golf course with glow-in-the-dark plants and UV lighting, creating an otherworldly atmosphere.
2. Folklore Illustrations: Large-scale illustrations depicting constellations from Northeast Indian folklore, such as the "Seven stars" (Pleiades constellation) in Sumi and Angami Naga mythology.
3. Glowing Golf Balls: Special glow-in-the-dark golf balls that resemble stars, adding to the magical ambiance.
4. Sound Displays: a collection of musical sounds added for ambience

Folklore Constellations

1. Sumi Naga (Pleiades/seven star)
2. Angami Naga (Pleiades/Seven star)

Educational Content

1. Naga Astronomy/cosmology : Information board on the stars, and constellations .
2. Northeast Indian Folklore : Stories and legends from various Northeast Indian communities, highlighting their connections to astronomy and the natural world.

Take-Home Experience

Folklore Constellation knowledge: A narrative information that featuring illustrations and stories of Northeast Indian folklore constellations.