discover navajo 2002 olympics
TRANSCRIPT
S Y M B O L S O F N A V A J O
Directional towers help explain some of the meaning and spirit of the four Sacred Directions. The information has been translated into ten different languages as the Navajo attempt to reach out to all nations in this cultural exhibition.
Giant rug patterns are used as floor graphics in the center of each exhibit
zone (see above). Each pattern is composed of 10 different translations
of a single word. That word representsthe meaning of each zone, i.e.,
West=Life (as shown right).
This top-down view of the exhibition shows how colorful floor graphics divide the space into four distinct zones. The hogan, in the center, faces east, as in the Navajo way. The arcing rainbow, know for nurturing protection, encircles the entire exhibition.
The yeibichai, a common symbol in sacred sand paintings, commonly represents the spirit of the sacred directions or sacred mountansN
WS
E
T H E E M E R G E N C E T H E A T E RT H E E M E R G E N C E T H E A T E R
The Navajo call themselves Diné. We believe that we now live in the fourth world but only after emerging from the trials of three previous worlds.
In “The Emergence” theater, a multi-media theater environment, visitors learn about some of these very respected and deeply held beliefs.
The exterior facade of the theater is alive with the twinklng animation of stars. The Navajo's ancient knowledge of the night sky is an oral treasure passed down through centuries. Visitors learn how these constellations fit into the complexities of the Navajo way.
Navajo call themselves Diné. Their belief is that we now live in the fourth world after emerging from the trials of three previous worlds.
In “The Emergence” theater, a multi-media theater environment, visitors learn about some of these very respected and deeply held beliefs.
The exterior facade of the theater is alive with the twinklng animation of stars. The Navajo's ancient knowledge of the night sky is an oral tradition passed down through centuries. Visitors learn how these constellations fit into the complexities of the Navajo way.
1
H O G A N
A traditional Navajo home
The hogan is the center of Navajo living and also the centerpiece of the “Discover Navajo” experience. When visitors leave the Emergence Theater they enter the realistic setting of the fourth world, the now, the present. A pathway leads them to the hogan where they are met by our Navajo guides. Once inside, the ancient stories of the fourth world and traditions of the hogan are related by one of our Navajo storytellers. We invite visitors to talk to and interact with all of our knowledgable and helpful Navajo demonstrators and guides.
I N T E R A C T I V I T Y
Demonstrators, Storytellers and Exhibits
What better way to “Discover Navajo” than through the words, arts and crafts of its people. The Navajo Code Talkers of WWII, plus rug weavers,basketmakers, silversmiths, medicine men and story tellers alike are all anxious to relate their stories and show you their craft. In addition, interactive exhibits of all types help explain many of the complexities of the Navajo Way.
A sweatlodge is an important structure for ceremony in the navajo Way. Our authentic sweatlodge is surrounded by scale models that describe the evolution of the modern day hogan.
A sweatlodge is an important structure for ceremony in the navajo Way. Our authentic sweatlodge is surrounded by scale models that describe the evolution of the modern day hogan.
T H E L A N D
Interactive Topographical Maps and Exhibits
H I S T O R Y
From the Fourth World to the 21st Century
A giant “clan wheel” allows visitors to explore the family trees of Navajo names. The giant interactive map next to it shows a broad history of big changes to the Navajo homeland : Push large wooden buttons on the upper deck to see key transformative events projected across the map’s topography :•the “Long Walk”, •the development of reservation borders, •dividing land into government chapters•the sprawling of roads and highways.
Navajo history circles the perimeter of the hogan on the upper deck and includesthe Codetalkers of WWII. Artifacts, video and images tell part of the story but veteran Codetalkers are the true stars of the show.
For the Navajo, no written language existed before WWII. Their oral tradition has been handed down from elders for centuries. Interactive kosks allow visitors to hear and understand the meaning of some key words and phrases spoken in the Navajo native tongue.
P E R F O R M A N C E
A Multi-Tribal Experience
Performances at “Discover Navajo” are open to other Native American tribes. The Apache dancers shown here performed at the event in Salt Lake City. Programmed performances can be a variety of experiences. Storytelling, pow wows, ceremonial singing, including contemporary Native American artists, music, performances, comedy, theater and more.
EXISTING MURAL, LIFE-SIZED NAVAJO PEOPLE. 60' WIDE X 18' TALL
T O U R I N G
D I S C O V E R N A V A J O
ORIGINAL SHOW AS SEEN AT2002 WINTER OLYMPICS
E N T E R
E N T E R
E N T E R
E N T E R
E N T E R
TREATY OF 1902
TREATY OF 1879
TREATY OF 1868
TREATY OF 1845
TREATY OF 1837 TREATY OF 1776
TREATY OF 1912 TREATY OF 1913
TREATY OF 11924 TREATY OF 1934 TREATY OF 1945
N
W
S
E
A
A touring version of this exhibition can be modified to fit a variety of venues. These sample plans (A-F) show our suggestions of content as related to
square footage available. Please review the touring documents in the back
pocket of this booklet for more information on how to have this show at your institution, facility or event.
APPROX-15,000 SQ.FT.
Thereby I became long life, thereby I became happiness,May it be blessed before me, may it be blessed behind me,May it be blessed below me, may it be blessed above me,May it be blessed around me, may speach from me be blessed,May all my surroundings be blessed.It has become blessed again, it has become blessed again,It has become blessed again, it has become blessed again.
—Portion of a prayer from the Blessing Way
APPROX-1,800 SQ.FT.APPROX-2,500 SQ.FT.APPROX-3,500 SQ.FT.
TREATY OF 1902
TREATY OF 1879
TREATY OF 1868
TREATY OF 1845
TREATY OF 1837 TREATY OF 1776
TREATY OF 1912 TREATY OF 1913
TREATY OF 11924 TREATY OF 1934 TREATY OF 1945
TREATY OF 1902
TREATY OF 1879
TREATY OF 1868
TREATY OF 1845
TREATY OF 1837 TREATY OF 1776
TREATY OF 1912 TREATY OF 1913
TREATY OF 11924 TREATY OF 1934 TREATY OF 1945
APPROX-7,000 SQ.FT.
EXISTING MOON PHASE MURAL. 120' WIDE X 2' TALL
Existing mural, life-sized navajo people. 60' wide x 18' tall
Ground Level-dedicated entry structure and existing theater with existing perimeter exhibits plus 2-3 demonstrator areas.Upper Deck Level-ramps up to and including all existing exhibits on upper deck, including hogan, as shown at the Olympic Games.
Ground Level Only-dedicated entry structure with reception/info desk. Includes all exhibits on upper deck as shown at Olympics (including hogan) and some existing exhibits are distributed around outer perimeter. Additional docent stations and/or demonstrator areas can be substituted as needed per each installation.
Ground Level Only-reception/info desk. Includes some of the exhibits on the upper deck as shown at Olympics and some existing exhibits are distributed around outer perimeter. Additional docent stations and/or demonstrator areas can be substituted as needed per each installation.
Ground Level Only-reception/info desks with backdrop murals in center. Includes a few existing exhibits from the original show. Outer perimeter is covered from �oor to ceiling with giant murals from original show.
B D EC
N I G H T W A Y S E A S O NP L A N T I N G S E A S O N
O C T O B E RO C T O B E R N O V E M B E RS E P T E M B E R
V I L L A G E O F N A T I O N S
D i s c o v e r N a t i v e A m e r i c a
ATHAPASKAN
SALISHAN
ATH
APA
SKA
N
SIOUAN
Native CulturesDiscovery Center
Native Arts Discovery Center
Arena Of NativeAmerican Sports
Native AmericanRodeo Arena
Arena OfThe Americas
ESK
IMO
AN
WAKASHAN
ALG
ON
QU
IN
SAH
APT
IAN
B
EN
UT
IAN
ALG
IC
PENU
TIAN
HOKAN
UTO AZTECS
KER
ESAN
NUMIC
TAN
OA
N
SALIS
HA
N
IRIQUOIAN
CAD
ON
IAN
MUSKOGEAN
ARAW
AKA
N
IRIQ
UOIAN
ELDERS
THEATRICALMULTI MEDIA
PRESENTATION
DEMONSTRATORS
LIVING TODAY
HISTORY
HISTORY
THE PEOPLE
ARTS AND CRAFTS
DEMONSTRATORS
CHILDREN
HIS
TORY
HISTO
RY
THE
LAN
D
CLA
NSH
IP
DEM
ON
STRA
TORS
AD
ULT
S
CEREMONY
THEATERMULTI MEDIA
PRESENTATIONAND
PROGRAMMED PERFORMANCE
RETAIL & CONCESSIONS TO
URI
SM
Sharing knowledge, opening doors, crossing boundries, creating a self-sustaining revenue source, and enlightening a global audience are just a few goals of the cultural theme park called “The Village of Nations”. Using the “Discover Navajo” exposition as a model of one tribal participant (see below), a multi-tribal environment for learning, entertainment and commerce can be created.
Tribal themes are based on the indigenous languages (see right) and dwellings of tribal participants. This park is will be unlike any other. It will be a collaboration of business, academic and entertainment initiatives that not only invite cultural exploration but entertain and enlighten a global audience. Revenue sources, job opportunities, educational possibilities and tourism expansion are just a few of the obvious assets this grand venture has to offer.
This world-scale exposition could travel or have a permanent home. Either of which should have the capacity to grow as participants are added.