KC, ZH, GR project update

Our project thus far is going very well. We are considering the evolutionary path of both animals with antlers and animals with horns, or Artiodactyls, and where/when they converged. We are mostly going to be considering how the museum displays these animals. We are going to continue to pay attention to whether or not the Field Museum positions the taxidermy in a way that is realistic, or “glamorized”. As in, do they try to appeal to people aesthetically and reminiscent of a hunting trophy, or game room? Or do they disregard these preconceived notions of horned and antlers animals and present them in a natural position/in herds/etc. An example of a more realistic display was that of the (I forgot the name, but it had horns, not antlers), where the baby was somewhat hidden by the protective position of the mother. In a “glamorized” or more “appealing” display, the young would probably be toward the front, or displayed more obviously to appeal to children and exemplify how cute it is. We have decided on making an audio tour, accessed by QR codes (also used by the Field Museum), and downloaded from a site. It will lead the visitor on a tour based on floor plan and similarities between horned/antlered animals. It will be fun, funny, informative, and engaging, so the visitor stays interested. We will make a map with the QR codes on it, and it will be handed out at the museum. References: -“Horns Aplenty” – article about an exhibit called “Headgear” at the Harvard Museum of Natural History comparing horns and antlers. It explored the use and function of horns and antlers. Also asking questions about how unwieldy they are. Also, Other animals with antlers or horns, from beetles to dinosaurs. Something for use to consider in our own exploration of the Field Museum. (http://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2010/09/horns-aplenty/) -“National Taxidermists Association” is a magazine we will reference to compare and contrast display and positioning of the taxidermy in relation to the Field Museum. (http://www.nationaltaxidermists.com/) -Also researching best apps for the iPhone to record podcasts, since we want it to sound more like a “Radiolab” episode, so people will feel interested and engaged rather than annoyed. (http://www.fatherroderick.com/2012/06/14/what-is-the-best-iphone-app-for-recording-podcasts/) -Of cour we will referene and explore the ideas and visions of Carl Ethan Akeley. He is considered the father of modern taxidermy because of his artistic flare and style. He made sure to capture the essence of the animal and position it rather than make it lifeless looking, (http://fieldmuseum.org/about/carl-akeley)