Awards Portfolio / 35 www.sbid.org


K


ossmann.dejong designed the exhibition ‘The Story of the Totem Pole’ for the Museum Volkenkunde (National Museum of Ethnology) in Leiden, Netherlands.


This family-oriented show focuses on the indigenous inhabitants of the Northwest coast of the United States and Canada. The rich cultures of the First Nations are told using theatrical installations, displays, stories, interviews and reportage.


The First Nations had a strong tradition of woodcutting and were famed for their stunning totem poles. An eight-metre tall totem pole was made especially for the exhibition by a group of artisans, led by Kwakwaka’wakw artist Rande Cook.


The exhibition is spread across a series of thematic rooms that highlight different aspects of the lives of the First Nations. The exhibition begins by providing an insight into the environment in which they settled permanently.


Because sources of food were plentiful and easily available, the people had time to devote to developing their artistic skills, an area of their life that is fully celebrated in the exhibition.


Ceremonies are the central theme for three of the exhibition spaces. Visitors enter a darkened room filled with mythical masks used in the various rituals.


Particular attention is paid to Potlatch, a major cultural festival during which the host gives away presents. Sound is a key element in this space, immersing the visitor in the hubbub of a real Potlatch. Using panoramic film projections and a display of gifts, the visitor becomes part of the feast.


Kossmann.dejong is an Amsterdam-based design agency which focuses on exhibitions and interior architecture.


Contact


Kossmann.dejong www.kossmanndejong.nl


d


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68