Kohima: ‘Look Up’, a unique exhibition to explore the connections between indigenous plants, animals, constellations, and butterflies, all tied to the theme of gazing skyward, is underway at The Highland Institute in Kohima, Nagaland.
Running until October 5, 2024, the exhibition is open to visitors from Tuesdays to Saturdays and features a variety of interactive and educational displays. Among the highlights are South Asia’s first UV Mini Golf station and an arcade game titled Gibbons: Beyond the Trees (2022), designed to engage participants with the world of gibbons.
Through the exhibition, the organisers of the event aim to create an experience that blends play and education, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of nature.
The exhibition draws on archival research and interviews with local conservationists, highlighting indigenous astronomy, gibbons, butterflies, and orchids, all of which are integral to Nagaland’s biodiversity and cultural history.
The exhibition was inaugurated with an opening ceremony at Été Coffee Roasters on Billy Graham Road, where Roderick Wijunamai, a research fellow at The Highland Institute, delivered the keynote address.
In his speech, Wijunamai stressed the importance of reconnecting with nature, explaining that the exhibition serves as both a celebration of the natural world and a reminder of the cultural and ecological heritage of the Naga people.
The researcher said that the exhibition is not just about the wonders of the sky but also about rediscovering the wisdom and guidance that the stars and constellations have provided to our community for generations,
The event also draws attention to the ongoing threat of climate change and its impact on biodiversity, particularly species like gibbons and butterflies, which have deep cultural and spiritual significance in the region. The exhibition encouraged visitors to reflect on the importance of preserving both cultural traditions and the environment.
The Highland Institute, established in 2013, is an independent research centre focused on addressing socio-political, cultural, environmental, and developmental challenges in highland Asia.
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