Articulated Solutions for Mannequins in the Circle of Dance Exhibition at National Museum of the American Indian – New York

Abstract

The exhibition, Circle of Dance, which opened at National Museum of the American Indian – New York in September 2012, showcases dances of 10 Native communities from 10 geographical locations in the Western Hemisphere. This paper details the creation and fabrication of several of the articulated mannequins for garments and object accessories for this exhibition. Each of the mannequins was articulated in a gesture specific to a dance important to the respective tribe. Producing the illusion of specific movement and providing distinctive facial features and hand gestures was imperative. A variety of arm and leg connection techniques utilizing mechanical and magnetized attachments were employed. The faces, hands, and feet were created from Fosshape, a polyester felt-like material that becomes stiff when steamed. Three topics are discussed here: choosing poses for maximum illusion of motion, creating gesture through arm and leg connection techniques, and extension of the articulation to facial and hand expressions with Fosshape.