Abstract
Hokkaido Museum of Northern Peoples has had special (temporary) exhibitions that focus on the themes not included in the permanent exhibition. I have prepared a case report on some features and results of the 19th special exhibition titled “Nomads of the North” (2004).
The exhibition was composed of three parts: “steppe nomads in Mongolia”, “reindeer herders in taiga” and “reindeer herders in tundra”. In each part, we chiefly displayed materials related to livestock and the nomadic life of pastoral peoples. For example, the Mongolian “ger” tent, saddles and bridles for riding reindeer, reindeer skin clothing, and so on.
Furthermore, we used some new devices in making this exhibition. First, the curator took a direct part in collecting materials displayed at the exhibition and carried out field works about them. Up till then we had collected materials from foreign antique shops and from researchers studying in the northern areas.
Second, a related event was held before the exhibition was opened. The “Let's build a Mongolian ger!” was an event for local residents to build a Mongolian “ger” tent, and display it as one of the exhibits in the special exhibition. This event was not only fun itself, but also aroused participants' interests in the exhibition.
Third, some exhibits were displayed outside the special exhibition room. The Mongolian tent was used as part of the partition for the exhibition room, so visitors could see it without entering. Furthermore, some Mongolian clothes were placed out of the room so that visitors could view and try them on.
Forth, admission fees were discounted about ten percent for visitors who saw both the regular and special exhibitions.
“Nomads of the North” special exhibition was open for 69 days, and had 5271visitors. This number is relatively good, considering that the number of visitors to the museum is decreasing. However, it seems that many of the visitors were tourists, rather than local residents. This is not a good result for the local museum as an institution for social education. We will evaluate the methods and devices of this and other exhibitions, and in future, we hope to increase visitors from the local area.
