AS- Field Museum Project Summary

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Name of Project Members

Ariella Scott, Stephanie Mcneal

Unifying Biological Concept /Theme – What is the biological concept around which you will organize your wunderkammer?  Discuss a little bit how you plan to use the cocept to connect and synthezie objects and aspects of the museum in an interesting, novel, informative, and potentially eye-opening way for visitors? 

The biological concept that interests us in this wunderkammer is the topic of animals with big noses.  Throughout this class we have learned that certain biological features exist due to the process of natural selection.  Big noses, are something that are most clearly less desirable for humans in America with 50,000 rhinoplasties a year in the US alone.  However, studies have shown that having a large nose gives individuals a greater advantage of not getting sick.  This is because a larger nose will act as a larger filter for what will come into the body.

A more detailed explanation here

This will prove interesting to museum goers because I think it takes a topic that appears mediocre and provides it with meaning.  Not only this, it gives reason into people relating themselves to the world around them.  A deer could of a long nose for similar reasons as someone else.  This acts a relatable topic, while still adding a little touch of humor.

Rationale for this Concept /Theme – Why ar you interested in this theme? Why is this a meaningful natural history supplement to a museum experience? What will a mseum goer learn / experience / think about that they wouldn’t otherwise? (100-200 words)

As Stephanie mentioned in her post, she and I both have large noses which is one reason why we want to do this because it is also relatable to us.  However, some of my other reasons for wanting to do this project are greatly different than hers.  In conceptual terms, breathing is the presence of life and the nose is the source of this in many organisms.  Also, for many different beliefs, breathing can be as a spiritual practice.  Orthodox Jews believe that god's true name is the perfect breath.  With that thought in mind, then we are constantly saying god name as a mantra all day through our breath.  Many Zen practicers also rely on the concentration of breath through their methods of meditation.  Therefore, I think that this project will bring a different sense of understanding the nose and its relation to the study of natural history as well as life itself.  This can happen in both literal and conceptual terms, and I look forward to it.

Media format of the project – What are the components in terms of text, diagrams, audio, video, etc that you will likely use and why?  How will this be accessible to the general public.

There is so much research available for this topic, so I would really like to do something informative.  I have been thinking of doing a podcast with Stephanie, maybe along with a pamphlet advertising it to people as well as having some information.  I am not sure what the best method is, and still have to explore this.  I just know that last project I regretted spending so much time on filming, and would have rather spent more on research time.  Stephanie and I are both Visual and Critical Studies so we both feel extremely comfortable composing research driven projects.

Possible, specific items or components to include in your wunderkammer (so far)

Mucus specimens, plastic surgery tools, something that resembles cartilage, various doctrines on the perceptions of breathing throughout various religions and spiritual beliefs