Ortelia in collaboration with the Queensland Museum and University of Queensland has created a 3D interactive application for viewing and interrogating artefacts of significant cultural value. The purpose of the Mobile Museum project is to investigate the viability of virtual repatriation of items of cultural significance. The project is being led by Dr. Graeme Were, Lecturer in Museum Studies at the University of Queensland.
The Mobile Museum in Papua New Guinea
The Mobile Museum prototype application was taken to New Ireland Province in Papua New Guinea during the last week of June 2012.
It was the aim of the trip to show the software prototype application to the people of Nalik people in the village of Madina. We conducted extensive consultation with a wide range of people from several villages in the Madina area. The response to the project was overwhelmingly positive across the board. It was acknowledged that this work was important to not only to provide remote access to cultural artefacts but also a powerful tool to preserve the regions cultural heritage. On a more human note, we were very well received by the local people and welcomed into their homes. Below are some images from the trip.
Sioti Lupai and Graeme Were describe the application to elders and people from the village of Panafau.
A demonstration and meeting with the Elders and people of the village of Lugagun.
Adam using the Mobile Museum application.
Image courtesy of Graeme Were, University of Queensland
Mobile Museum Hand-Over
In March of this year we handed over the finalised Mobile Museum application to the Nalik people of Northern New Ireland Papua New Guinea. The response was fantastic and feedback can be described only as overwhelmingly positive. There are now 10 artifacts within the application with a further 5 to be delivered in May of 2013.