A Horse (or Ass) of a Different Color

Title: Kiang Diorama
Materials: Taxidermy, dried plant material, paint, wood
Collection: Academy of Natural Science's Dioramas

The Kiang Diorama, like the others in the exhibit, is about seventy years old. The Kiangs were donated by adventurer and ANS enthusiast Brooke Dolan II, who shot them while in Tibet in the 1930s. The display is between those of the tigers and the yak. The signage tells the viewer that the Kiang is a large wild ass, that can store up fifty pounds of fat for winter. It also relays that Tibetans have believed that the Kiang was created by the gods and is sacred, and that despite Chinese protection, they are still poached for meat and leather.

This diorama accomplishes three things: it familiarizes the strange while broadening a visitor's world view, it communicates the Museum's history, and it melds art and science to create an experience for the visitor.

Approaching the scene, a U.S. visitors may think that they are viewing a piece of American landscape such as Montana or Colorado. There is a sense of wide open space and blue sky that matches our ideal of the West, and the animals framed within the scene could be place-holding for burros or wild mustangs. It is not until these same visitors read the label that they realize they are in fact seeing a far off and unfamiliar locale with its own wildlife. This immersive type of experience, although old-fashioned, is none-the-less effective in educating a viewer about a completely unknown topic.

There is no doubt about the history of this diorama; the animals themselves are slightly worn, like well-loved toys. Yet instead of making the exhibit outdated and tired, this visible wear and tear shows how interrelated the scene is to the Museum's past. There is something that is simultaneously comforting and slightly awesome in seeing the same thing as a visitor in the 1940s.

Perhaps the first thing to make an impression, yet the last thing that a viewer consciously takes note of, is the beautifully crafted background of the diorama. The skilled painting with its mind-bending perspective is one of the main details that allows the viewer to believe themselves in a completely different environment. The recreation of the scene and even the placement of the animals show an artistic touch that accomplishes the Museum's goal to explore the boundaries of art and science.

Although there is much to be said for the traditional diorama, it might be an interesting update to add another dimension to the experience. Perhaps headphones could constantly play the sounds of environment so that visitors have the choice to involve another of their senses. It may also be helpful to the visitor to further understand the relationship between the kiangs and people, and to read more about how Tibetans and Chinese view the animal.

In any case, the diorama has the unique position of delighting every age and educational level. Both a child who has never heard of Tibet and an specialist in Himalayan wildlife can find something to delight them here.