FALL 2012

SEPTEMBER-DECEM
AS I PREPARE TO LEAVE, I'M REMEMBERING the excitement of

VOL. 83^ NO. 3 our times togetlier— Members' Nights, exploring the collections, exhibition openings,

chance encounters, stopping for conversations— wonderful memories.

EDITOR
Emily ]. Waidren, The Field Museum
So much has happened over these 16 years: thousands of scientific publications,
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
thousands of new species identified, millions of visitors, hundreds of exhibitions
Tranck Mercurio, mercurio-exhibits.com.
and educational programs, hundreds of millions of philanthropic dollars raised,
PHOTO CONTENT SPECIALIST
thousands of square feet of facility expansion and thousands of square miles
Nina Cummings, The field Museum

of rainforest protected.
DESIGN
Georgia Bockos, Bockos Design^ Inc.
Behind these statistics are nine fundamental core themes:

All images © The Field Museum

One, strengthening our role in the grand tradition of natural history and science
unless otherwise specified.

IN THE FIELD (ISSN #1051-4546) stretching back to Aristotle, Pliny, Buffon, Linnaeus, Darwin, and Mendel.
is published three times a year

by The Field Museum. Annual Two, ensuring The Field's ability to extend this tradition into new worlds,
subscriptions are $20; $10 for
deepening our understanding of evolution, sustaining the environment, investigating
schools. Museum membership
includes IN THE FIELD subscription.
the new science of molecular biology, and using digital capabilities to extend

Opinions expressed by authors are our reach and impact.

their own and do not necessarily

reflect the policy of The Field Museum. Three, protecting the collection through new accessible, climate controlled,
Notification of address change
compactorized storage; digitizing these collections for sharing online across
should include address label and
the world.
should be sent to the membership

department.
Four, securing the opportunity to invest in new scientific technologies and facilities

POSTMASTER to advance learning.

Send address changes to:

Membership, The Field Museum Five, building new exhibitions and educational programs to bring the world to

1400 South Lake Shore Drive

Chicago while introducing young people to the wonders of science.
Chicago, IL 60605-2496

Six, representing The Field in the Chicago community to enhance the Museum's
ON THE COVER
public profile.
PROCESSION OF RAM SINGH II

OF KOTA, C 1860 S VICTORIA AND

ALBERT MUSEUM. LONDON
Seven, understanding the world economic context and protecting the Museum
from financial and political volatility and enabling it to thrive and grow.

Eiglit, extending our mission to the protection of the environment in Andes-Amazon,

Africa, the oceans, and the natural areas of Chicago.

Nine, building the Museum family by enlarging opportunities, bringing in new

talent, watching personal growth, sending people on to outside opportunities,

and enhancing the Museum as an organic

structure of talented individuals.

Thank you for your enthusiasm, involvement,

fieidmuseum.ori
and support of this wonderful place. It has

The Field Museum salu|

been a privilege to lead this great Museum.
the people of Chicago f

long-standing support of the \

Museum through the Chicago f

JOHN MCCARTER
District, Programming is partially
President and CEO
supported by the Illinois Arts

Council, a state agency.

 .

Museum Names
New President
By Shawn VanDerziel, Vice President Human Resources and Adm.inistration

EARLIER THIS SPRING, THE FIELD MUSEUM BOARD OF TRUSTEES ANNOUNCED

THE APPOINTMENT OF RICHARD W. LARI VI ERE AS PRESIDENT AND CEO of the Museum.
Lariviere (pronounced lah-riv-yair) brings with him an outstanding record of scholarship, fundraising, and

institutional leadership. Most recently a professor of Sanskrit and Indian Studies at the University of

Oregon, Lariviere also served as President of the university from 2009-2011.

John Rov\/e, the Museum's Board Chairman says "Richard Lariviere

has demonstrated profound respect for institutional integrity and

a fiery passion for the people and communities he serves. These are

characteristics we highly value at The Field, and they are exactly what

is needed to build upon the superb legacy of John McCarter and

take the Museum into the future."

Prior to his role as President at the University of Oregon, Lariviere

served as Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost at the University of

Kansas, as well as Dean of the College of Liberal Arts at the University

of Texas. In addition to his academic achievements, which include

a PhD in Asian Studies from the University of Pennsylvania and a BA

in the History of Religion from the University of Iowa, Lariviere is

a prize-winning author.

"The Field is an iconic museum and renowned throughout the world.

It is an honor to be selected to serve as its president," Lariviere says.

"John McCarter is a tough act to follow, but I look forward to working

with The Field's incredibly talented team and partnering with the

wonderfully supportive business and philanthropic communities here."

As Museum Members, we hope you share in our excitement as we

welcome Dr. Lariviere to the Museum! itf

The Field is r

reno¥^
It is an h

FALL 2012 3
 Discover
Maharaja:
The Splendor of India'is
« Royal Courts Stunning Exhibition
Opens October 17
By Lmliy Waidren, Editor

DISCOVER THE DAZZLING WORLD OF INDIA'S LEGENDARY RULERS IN OUR

LATEST EXHIBITION, MaharajaiThe Splendor of India'sRoyalCourts, from October 17through Februarys, 2013.

The exhibition presents over 200 rare artifacts including elaborate jewelry, ornate weaponry,

royal costumes, and gorgeous artworks.

From the pomp and circumstance of a royal procession to the inner sanctum

of a courtly palace, Maharaja explores the world of India's rulers from the 1700s

to the 1940s taking visitors through an era of great political change.

Key artworks in Maharaja include exquisitely-detailed paintings of royal

processions, regalia worn by kings and queens, ceremonial daggers, swords

and matchlock guns, hand-crafted instruments and board games, and prized

photographs by Man Ray and Cecil Beaton. A highlight of the exhibition is the

Patiala necklace by Cartier which originally contained 2,930 diamonds (including

the yellow 234.69-carat DeBeers diamond).

The word maharaja, or "great king," recalls a turbaned and bejeweled ruler

with absolute authority and immense wealth. But this image fails to do justice

to the maharaja's complex role in the cultural and political history of India.

The exhibition re-examines the world of the maharajas and their extraordinarily

rich culture and will introduce visitors to the concept of royal duty in India.

From military strength to administrative and diplomatic skills, maharajas were

Visitors to Maharaja
expected to adhere to a strict code of behaviors. Besides being wise and
will discover paintings

depicting royal as well

benevolent, the king was expected to be an excellent warrior and accomplished
life,

as clothing and jewels hunter. Visitors will discover swords and rifles encrusted with gemstones,
from India's elite.
as well as heavily decorated armor.

IMAGES TOP TO BOTTOM, FROM LEFT TO RIGHT © VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM, LONDON: PROCESSION OF
AMAR SINGH AND SERFOJI OF TANJORE, C, 1797; WINE FLASK, MUGHAL COURT, )600-1625, MUSEUM OF ISLAMIC
II

ART, DOHA; SARI, 1860,

4 IN THE FIELD
 SUIT OF ARMOR, 1700-1800
AND ALBERT
'DVICTORIA
MUSEUM, LONDON

Through their participation in elaborate

public spectacles, maharajas signified their NICK WELSH

CARTIER COLLECTION
public authority and roles. Throughout the © CARTIER

exhibition visitors will encounter dazzling

ceremonial regalia— for example, a silver

Visitors will explore palace life,

howdah, which the maharaja used atop

including entertainment and leisure.
a giant elephant during grand processions.
A beautiful peacock-shaped stringed
Also included in this display is film footage
instrument uses real peacock
of "dressing" the royal elephant, and
feathers to complete the design and
an ankus— {an instrument to control the
a games box made from rosewood,
elephant) made of gold and bejeweled
ivory, and brass helped pass the time.
with colorless sapphires.

The exhibition traces the decline

Just for Members
Rare paintings in watercolors and gold
of the Mughal Empire in the early As a valued member, you are cordially
chronicle royal rule and daily life: from
18th century, to the rise of smaller invited to an exclusive event on Sunday,
the nearly 24-foot-long scroll depicting
kingdoms, through the expansion of October 14 from 8:30am to noon.
a procession of the ruler of Mysore to
the English East India Company and
an intimate scene of a concert in a Join us for a light, continental breakfast
British colonization in 1858. Ending
palace courtyard. followed by a talk in James Simpson Theater
with India's independence movement
with Anna Jackson from the Victoria and
Stunning clothing and jewelry illustrate and the collapse of British rule in
Albert Museum in London at 9:30am. Then
how maharajas used opulence as a symbol 1947, Maharaja provides a better
get a Members-only look at The Field's
of authority. One turban ornament from and nuanced understanding of the
newest exhibition.
the mid-18th century, is made up of gold, rich cultural traditions and complex

rubies, emeralds, diamonds, a pearl, and political dimensions underlying Reservations to this special event are

an enormous sapphire. Such ornaments India today, itf required and can be made by contacting

were originally worn only by the ruler, but

Lead sponsors; BMO Harris Bank, Exelon
312.665.7705, Monday through Friday,

by the 1700s, they were given as symbols from 8:30am to 4:30pm, or by emailing
Exhibition organized by the Victoria and

of royal favor to select noblemen. Albert Museum, London membership@fieldmuseum.org.

A "Royal" Celebration
FIELD MUSEUM'S 3RD ANNUAL 50TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY

Celebrate 50 years of marriage at The Field Museum on Saturday, December 1 . Couples

celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in 2012* will receive FREE Basic admission with

the purchase of a Maharaja: The Splendor ojindia's Racial Courts ticket. (Exhibition tickets are

free for Members.) Inside the exhibition, couples will discover the grandeur of the maharaja's

wedding, and be able to view a beautiful bridal gown from early 20th century India. At 1pm,

couples can renew their wedding vows and partake in a special toast. Reservations are

recommended by calling 312.665.7100.

*Couptes must provide proof of a 13S2 wedding [marriage certificate, wedding invitation, or dated newspaper dipping).

SWORD. C 1800 © VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM, LONDON ^

FALL2012
,- . , , ^
5
 Best Kept Secret Revealed
By Jessica Hankey, School Partnerships and Programs Manager and Lindsey Snyder, Public Programs Coordinator

DID YOU KNOW THAT YOU CAN TAKE A PIECE OF THE MUSEUM HOME WITH YOU?
From a skunk specimen to a cast of SUE's tooth to a ceremonial mask from Cameroon, the N.W. Harris Learning Collection

at The Tield Museum allows educators and parents to borrow Museum treasures for their students and children.

Previously named the Harris Educational Loan Center,

the collection is the oldest education program in existence

at the Museum. Endowed by Norman Wait Harris in 1911,

the 100-year-old Learning

Collection is like a lending

library of specimens

and artifacts. With over

400 unique Exhibit Cases

(mini-dioramas) and 100 Over the past year the collection has

Experience Boxes (hands- undergone renovation, and our re-imagined

on kits) your options N.W. Harris Learning Collection will re-open

are endless! Borrow an soon with notable enhancements. Exhibit

Angolan fruit bat hanging Cases now feature new and improved
from a branch, a barn owl information labels designed to spark

ready to swoop down on questions and observations; Experience

its prey, or many other Boxes are stocked with more hands-on

animal, plant, and geology- objects and revised activity guides to

Students at jane A. Neil themed cases. You can also unpack an Experience Box on facilitate object-based learning.
School explore shoesfrom our
the ancient Egyptians including a model of the Museum's
Living Together: Shoes Since its inception, the N.W. Harris Learning
mastaba tomb. Or borrow our "Wild in Chicago" box
Experience Box.
Collection has used these materials (rats
to explore skulls, pelts, and specimens of Chicago-area
and all!) to engage students in scientific
wildlife. (Including rats and cockroaches!)
practices and critical thinking skills, and

to pique their curiosity about Earth's natural

N. W. HARRIS
and cultural diversity. We are excited
LEARNING
LtAKNINti fSm to usher in another century of educational

COLLECIN^P
AT THE FIELD MUSEUM
innovation with our grand re-opening

on September 15. itf

Interested in bringing The Field Museum

to your school or home?
Visit fieldmuseum.org/schools/harris to become a registered borrower starting September 15.

The Asian Long Horn Beetle Exhibit Case.

Teachers may attend the Educator Open House on October 16 and check out the Learning

IMAGES: ERNEST J RAMON THEFIELDMUSEUM2012

/ Collection firsthand. More information is available at fieldmuseum.org/schools.

N THE FIELD
 For the Birds:
Renowned Bird Hall Gets Makeover
By Tom Skwerski^ Exhibitions Project Manager and John Bates, PhD, Associate Curator, Division 0/ Birds

PERHAPS NO OTHER ANIMALS INSPIRE AS MUCH PASSION FOR STUDY AS BIRDS.

BIRDS ARE PART OF OUR DAILY LIVES —THROUGH SIGHT AND SOUND, THEY ARE A FREQUENT
REMINDER OF THE NATURAL WORLD AROUND US.

The Bird Hall at The Field Museum has long been one of the A number of display cases also received

most outstanding displays of birds in the world. Last renovated interactive kiosks with digital labels. Using

in the early 1990s, the hall received extensive upgrades this past iPad technology, visitors can now learn
Above, left: Hoatzin
summer. The classic dioramas and displays were not changed, more about bird species through expanded
(Opisthocomus hoazin]
but thanks to generous contributions from Ronald and Christina videos, photographs, and interactive
Above, right: Great Gray

Owi (Strix nebulosa] Gidwitz and the Grainger Digital Initiative, and extensive input activities like matching games, color and

from the Division of Birds curators and staff, the shape activities geared for younger kids,

exhibition's content has been updated. The galleries quizzes, and maps.

also received a new HVAC and fire suppression

An "Artists' Corner" was added, highlight-
systems, as well as a fresh coat of paint.
ing artists who express themselves through

All of the exhibition reading rails received a new the subject of birds. Additionally, The Field

graphic design look, and new information about the Museum Exhibition Media Department

relationships between bird species (based on the created an engaging atmospheric projection

work of Associate Curator Shannon Hackett, PhD, of sounds and images of flocking birds.

and her colleagues) is incorporated throughout. With over 1,000 different specimens on

display from Chicago, North America, and

around the world, visitors can experience

and explore their passion for these beautiful

"The Museum's Bird Hall continues to be one of most
and amazing animals in new ways in the
comprehensive displays of birds in the world— bringing it
Ronald and Christina Gidwitz Hall of Birds.
up to date highlights how much we are still learning."
The renovated hall opens to the public on
Dr. John Bates, Associate Curator, Division of Birds September 25. itf

FALL 2012 7
 DNA
Residency Program
By franck Mercurio, Associate Editor, In The Field

THIS PAST SUMMER, FOUR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS AND TWO SCIENCE TEACHERS completed
the DNA Residency program at The Field Museum's Pritzker Laboratory for Molecular Systemics and Evolution.

The residency program provided the students and teachers with paid internships to actively participate in

Museum-sponsored DNA research projects.

The students— Jesse Kusimba, Luke When not conducting research in the Lab,

O'Connor, Audrey Putman, Catherine each student worked on their own digital

Zhou— were chosen from a competitive projects connected to their own interests

candidate pool of over 50 applicants. in DNA.

Together with teachers, Tom Champion

Past student interns of the DNA Residency
and Anna Simpson, they worked on
program have gone on to pursue higher
real research projects for six weeks.
education in the sciences at leading
The participants were subdivided into
universities throughout the United States
two teams (two students paired with one
including University of Illinois, Tufts
teacher). One team was led by Associate
University, and University of Pennsylvania.
Curator of Birds Shannon Hackett, PhD,
To learn more about the digital projects
and the other by Lab Manager Kevin
created by the Residency participants and
Feldheim, PhD. Hackett's group worked
the application process for Summer 2013,
on mammal genetic differentiation as
please visit the Pritzker Lab's website:
part of the Emerging Pathogens Project,
fieldmuseum.org/explore/department/
while Feldheim's group worked on the
pritzkerlab. itf
population genetics of Sawfish.
This exhibition is generously supported by the Daniel F

The Residency participants studied and Ada L. Rice foundation.

embryology and learned about the

chemistry of DNA. They also spent time

in the Museum's fossil collections and

the labs of the University of Chicago.

Students and teachers sequencing T)NA

During weekdays, they talked with Museum
in the DNA Discovery Center. visitors during "talk to the scientist hour"

in the DJ\M Discovery Center. The students

and teachers also participated in weekly

discussions of Your Inner fish (a great

introductory book to evolutionary biology)

with Museum scientists.

Catch up with the latest news about the Museum's DNA research projects

by visiting the DNA Discover)/ Center and Pritzker Lab on Facebook!

8 IN THE FIELD
 — 10

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 Cinematic Scientific Slips
Compiled by Mark Alvey, Operations Administrator, Botany Department

andTrancli Mercurio, Associate Editor, In The Field

IN THE RECENT RE-RELEASE OF TITANIC, DIRECTOR JAMES CAMERON MADE ONLY

ONE SIGNIFICANT CHANGE TO HIS EPIC MOVIE: he modified the nighttime sky to accurately reflect its appearance

in April 1912— reportedly at the urging of "one very annoying astrophysicist." InThe J/eld polled our own museum curators

about their favorite (or most irksome) scientific inaccuracies in the movies. Here are a few of their responses:

CORRIE MOREAU BRUCE PATTERSON LEO SMITH ,

Assistant Curator, TDivision of Insects NlacArthur Curator oj Nlammais Assistant Curator and Head ofTishes

Them! (1954) The Ghost and the Darkness (1996) Finding Nemo (2003)
Them.' is a great 1950s sci-fi movie— and Zoological inconsistencies permeate To be clear, I really like the movie finding

not as bad as some. They actually call Hollywood. Just think of Johnny Weismuller Nemo. Nearly every fish in the movie is

the ant scientist a myrmecologist (which as Tarzan with South American capuchins accurate down to the species — except for
is the correct term!). In the movie, exposure and Australian cockatoos populating an the deep-sea chimaera. Instead of depicting

to atomic radiation causes ants to grow to African camp — standard fare in many old an actual species, the animators created

supersize. In real life, giant ants could never movies, but the use of consultants cleans a composite of several different types of

survive. First, insects breathe passively up many of these slips in the modern era. deep-sea fish. The Disney chimaera has

through small openings on the sides of their One notable exception: the movie The Ghost the lure of an anglerfish {Melanocoetus),

bodies, called trachea, and this system is and the Darkness which purports to present the mouth, jaws, and teeth of a viperfish

only effective for small animals. Second, the final events in the lives of The Field {ClaauUodus), the eyes of a hatchetfish

the body mass of a giant insect would Museum's Tsavo lions. The movie lions were [Argyropelecus), and some crazy light organs

exceed the strength of its exoskeleton heavily maned — only natural for "actors" on the side of its body similar to a lanternfish

resulting in the collapse of the insect under raised in a cold-weather zoo in Bowmansville, (family Myctophidae).

its own weight and its inability to move. Ontario, but not for the Tsavo man-eaters
Why create a mythical hybrid when there are
So fear not giant ants! In fact, ants and which were virtually maneless. In addition,
so many awesome species to choose from?
other insects are vital to a healthy planet. the Michael Douglas character was purely

fictional, created by the author to generate And don't get me started on the sexual
ABOVE. LEFT: © BETTMANN/CORBIS
ABOVE, RIGHT; GETTY IMAGES
some dramatic male-bonding with reproduction of clownfish — but that's a topic

protagonist, Val Kilmer. best left for another article... itf

FALL 2012 9
 Fashion and
The Field Museum Collection

Maria Pinto
By Paola Buccioi, Exhibition Developer

CO-CURATED BY MARIA PINTO, A NATIONALLY-RECOGNIZED CHICAGO-BASED

FASHION DESIGNER AND ARTIST, AND FIELD MUSEUM ANTHROPOLOGIST ALAKA WALI, PHD,
Tasliion andTheTield Museum Collection. Maria Pinto (September 14-June 13, 2013) features spectacular "fashion-able"

garments and accessories. The exhibition invites visitors to react to the installation of the Museum's artifacts

alongside Pinto's garments and takes us on a journey of inspiration and creativity.

A DESIGNER IN THE FIELD'S COLLECTIONS NATURE'S RESOURCES,

Wali and Pinto met for the first time in 2009, and later collaborated PEOPLES' FASHIONS
on a successful lecture at the 2010 Women's Board outreach The Inuit seal-gut raincoat (pictured

luncheon. For the lecture. Pinto presented Museum pieces that above) is just one of the 25 artifacts

inspired her. This fits Wall's goal as collections curator to bring that Pinto selected from the North

different perspectives to bear on interpreting the collections. American, South American, Asian,

Wali has collaborated for many years with descendants of and African collections. It reflects her

the peoples who crafted the artifacts and also with many artists fascination with the natural resources

throughout Chicago. people have relied on to make

garments and the creativity that has

gone into their selection and use.

The materials and craftsmanship

resonate with her, including the use

of transparency, texture, and color

in her designs. Seal intestines, blue

macaw feathers, stitched crocodile

hides, and shredded bark are other

examples of materials showcased

in the exhibition.

Left to right: Ruth Norton (Chief Conservator, Anthropology), Maria Pinto,

and Alaka Wali in the Museum's Anthropology Collections area.

10 IN THE FIELD
CONTRASTS AND STITCHES AND KNOTS TRANSPARENCIES, LAYERS,
CONNECTIONS The details of the stitching on this AND STRIPES
Although the Museum's objects reflect crocodile armor vest from Cameroon The Tema dress (pictured above) designed

incredible differences in how femininity are mesmerizing. Knots, stitches, edges, by Pinto mimics the shape of the Inuit

is expressed, a common thread can be and all the other "little strange links" raincoat (facing page, top); the transparency

seen in Pinto's selections, such as delicate intrigued Pinto to explore how different of its chiffon resembles the translucency of

beaded aprons from the Orinoco River materials are held together. The selection the seal intestines of which the raincoat is

basin in Venezuela, or a Mongolian long, of the artifacts on display showcase the made. The enduring qualities of transparency

puffy-shouldered dress. skilled virtuosity of craftspeople in the and meticulous craftsmanship, reflected in

use of distinctive techniques. Some of both the Museum's artifacts and Pinto's
Pinto drew connections between
the pieces on display took many months garments, demonstrate that some aesthetic
the Museum's collections and her own
to make and are masterpieces of design. principles can transcend time and space.
designs. The fashion designer selected

seven garments from her collections

COLLECTIONS INSPIRATIONS
that evoke the shapes, textures, patterns,
The exhibition reflects the two curators' view that museum collections can be timeless sources
or qualities of The Field Museum's
of inspiration for designers and artists. Inspired by the colors and materials of this Chinese
artifacts. Although this Kayla dress
theatrical headdress. Pinto created a new ensemble
(pictured above) by Pinto is obviously
just for this exhibition. Visit the exhibition and
feminine, she commented that she
experience a once-in-a-lifetime view into an
tries to provide women with "armor"
extraordinary collection. Let spectacular clothing
to face their challenges.
and adornments inspire your creativity too. itf

Major Sponsor: Sara Lee foundation

FALL 2012 11
 0

Shrinking Giants By Lawrence Heaney, Curator and Head of the Division of Mammals

WHEN POPULATIONS OF LARGE MAMMALS PERMANENTLY MOVE FROM

CONTINENTS TO ISLANDS^ dramatic changes in body size can take place in succeeding

generations. My colleagues and I examined a clear case of this phenomenon — known as

island dwarfism"— several years ago, when we studied the partially fossilized bones

and teeth of an animal from Cebu Island in the Philippines. We identified the mysterious

mammal as a previously unknown species of dwarf water buffalo (Bubalus cebuensis).

Long extinct, this tiny buffalo stood about two feet tall at the shoulder and

weighed about 330 pounds — only one-sixth the size of a domestic water buffalo

{Bubalus bubalis)] The extinct Cebu species was even smaller than a living species

of dwarf water buffalo from the Philippine island of Mindoro.

Island dwarfism is not confined to the Philippines. Other well-known examples

include extinct dwarf elephants from Sicily and Siberian dwarf mammoths from
Wrangel Island. The reasons for this "shrinkage" are hot topics for current

research; most evidence supports the hypothesis that food on small islands is

highly limited, so smaller animals are better adapted to survive on fewer resources.

Isolated islands often lack large predators, so there is no benefit in having bigger

bodies to fight off tigers or packs of wolves. If these conditions persist over

hundreds of generations, and the usual amount of natural genetic variation in

a population is present, body size of large mammals — like water buffalo and
There is still time to experience the
elephants— will eventually shrink.
extraordinary— and often surprising— world of

'£Ktr^m^ M.amma[s (closing January 6, 2013). Why are so many of these "island dwarfs" extinct? This also is a hot topic —
The exhibition explores the ancestry and evolution of with too few data to make the answer certain. Perhaps it was rapid natural climate

mammal species ranging from the huge to the tiny. change at the end of the most recent ice age; or subsequent rising sea levels caused

One featured evolutionary adaption is "island by melting ice, inundating some islands; or the arrival of humans as predators;

dwarfism" where, overtime, giant species or maybe all of these reasons. Whatever the cause, many of the most extreme

shrink to smaller proportions. mammals disappeared recently, and the world is a poorer place for it. itf
3n the Hunt
for
By Patrick R.
Mushrooms
Leacock, Adjunct Curator, Botany

MUSHROOM HUNTERS KEEP THEIR EYES ON THE WEATHER. THEY KNOW GOOD RAINS
ARE FOLLOWED BY M USH ROOMS. This fall they will search their favorite haunts for mushrooms known as "hens"

and "honeys." Winter is for testing dried mushroom recipes and dreaming of the next hunt.

But what is a mushroom? Neither plant nor animal, Mushrooms produce a wide array of chemicals and organic

a mushroom is a temporary reproductive structure of compounds, often of unknown structure or function, that

a fungus that produces spores. Fungi are recognized as can be dangerous. The nine types of mushroom poisoning

their own kingdom of life. Unlike plants, fungi do not range from liver-destroying amanitins, to hallucinogens,

produce their own food. But unlike animals, they lack an to poisons that cause gastrointestinal havoc. Pet owners

internal digestive system. Fungal cells grow as extremely should be aware that dogs are much more sensitive to

thin threads, called hyphae, literally growing through their mushroom poisoning.

food by secreting enzymes outside of their cells and

From the Museum Campus to the region's woodlands and
absorbing the breakdown products.
prairies, scientists have documented over 1,000 species

In hunting wild mushrooms, you should always be of mushrooms and other macro-fungi each with its own
accompanied by an expert. There are no fool-proof ecological function. In the woodlands, many mushrooms
methods for knowing which mushrooms are safe. Each are critical decomposers of dead trees. Some of them

kind is learned individually. The Illinois Myco logical Society, form symbiotic partnerships with tree roots that provide

based in Chicago, provides programs increased nutrient and water uptake for the trees. Others,

and forays, and its members have such as the giant puffball, decay leaf litter or organic

contributed greatly to our knowledge matter in the soil. A small percentage of native mushrooms
of the diversity of fungi in the region. live as full or partial parasites on live trees or roots.

Some mushrooms may be cultivated; your favorite

Clockwise., ^rom left: Honey mushrooms
edibles are available as mushroom kits, letting you grow
(ArmiUaria mellea); Giant puffball (Calvatia

gigantea); Patrick R. Leacock with chicken

your own oyster mushrooms, lion's mane, shiitake,

mushroom (Laetiporus sulphureus). and others, itf

 Toys (and More)
By Tranck Mercuho, Associate Editor, In The Field at The Field

CHILDHOOD TOYS AND GAMES ARE UNIVERSAL IN HUMAN SOCIETIES —EXAM PLES SPAN
ACROSS TIME, CULTURE, AND GEOGRAPHY. Since founding, The Field Museum has collected examples of toys
its

from around the world in addition to objects that appear to be toys, but in reality were not intended as playthings.

Some of the most engaging toys are located in the North American

Indian Hall. Toys in these societies not only entertained, but functioned as

educational tools that taught children basic skills that they would need as

grown-ups. Toy hunting weapons — like bows, arrows, and slingshots— were

used by children to hunt small mammals and birds, perfecting the survival

skills they would need as adults. Dolls helped children imitate child-rearing

activities; kids practiced making miniature clothes, baskets, and pots for

their dolls — skills that would be perfected as they reached adulthood.

There are many miniatures in the Museum's collections that were not

created as toys. Case in point: ivory figurines carved by native Alaskans

in the late 1800s and early 1900s for the tourist trade. These Arctic societies

had centuries-old carving traditions and originally created portable objects

with ritual purposes such as whaling charms and ceremonial masks.

But as more outsiders traded (and eventually settled) in Alaska, the locals

began to carve miniature animals, boats, and other figurines for trade with

the outside world. You can see examples of these early tourist souvenirs

in the Alsdorf Hall of Northwest Coast and Arctic Peoples.

There is another set of objects in the Museum's collections that appear

to be toys, but in reality functioned as ritual objects. Clay-fired animals with

Seminole doll from the 19205 or 30s.

wheeled feet (pictured below) were excavated at the site of Kish (in present

day southern Iraq) and date from approximately 2800 BC. To our modern

eyes, these miniature wheeled animals look like children's toys— all that

is missing is a string to pull them. But they are actually funerary objects

from an adult's grave with a yet-unknown ritual or religious function, itf

13th century Native Alaskan seal figurine.

Sumerian funerary figurine from Kish, Iraq.

14 INTHE FIELD
 at The Field
Holiday Shopping
By Jeri Webb, Director of Museum Stores

THE HOLIDAYS ARE AROUND THE CORNER^

AND THE FIELD MUSEUM HAS YOU COVERED. BELOW IS A SAMPLING
OF UNIQUE GIFT IDEAS FROM THE MUSEUM STORES.

CHEETAH
The world's fastest land mammal,
the cheetah, has long been a symbol

of grace and power. the wild,

In
EGYPTIAN CHESS SET
they can run up to 75 miles per hour
Egypt enthusiasts of all ages will love our
as they hunt their prey. Handcrafted
highly detailed Egyptian chess set. The heavily
by artisans using custom fabrics
weighted resin pieces have felt pads to protect the oak
and designed in collaboration with
The chess
clad board and are hand-painted with exacting detail.

wildlife experts, our life-sized,

pieces feature a pharaoh as the king and the goddess Isis as the
plush cheetah sits a majestic three
queen with a variety of deities in attendance including the falcon-
feet tall. The cheetah comes with and Bastet the
headed Horus, Anubis the jackal, cat. ($125)

an educational tag that describes

in detail the animal's behavior,

lifestyle and habitat, making it truly

a toy that teaches and touches the

hearts of children of all ages. ($625)

DINOSAUR ROBOT
Combine two things kids love — dinosaurs and robots — and you've got our raging dinosaur

robot! Built-in sensors enable our ferocious raptor robot to avoid obstacles, detect move-

ment, and obey controller commands. Includes three modes of play: in autonomous mode

your "raptor-bot" patrols his environment using advanced object avoidance to hunt his prey;

in guard mode he will stand and wait for intruders, chasing them off if they get too close;

and in remote control mode, you control your dinosaur robot's every move! ($68)

INDIAN DOLL
Our lovely handmade doll was created by a unique collective by rebuilding the community and supporting the artists'

of rural women living on the edge of the great salt desert, households. Each doll is one-of-a-kind, using traditional

the Rann, in Gujarat, India. This region was devastated by fabrics in favorite colors of the region, and showcases

a massive earthquake in 2001. The collective aims to keep hand-embroidery techniques that have been handed down

the art of handwork alive while keeping its artisans together through generations of Indian families. ($25)

IMAGES: LINDSAY SI LK- KR E MENAK / THE FIELD MUSEUM

FALL 2012 15
 STILL FROM TITANS OF THE ICE AGE 3-D

The Ice Age Comes to

The Field Museum-in 3-D! By Shtlby Bremer, Writer

TITANS OF THE ICE AGE 3-0 IS THE FIELD MUSEUM'S NEWEST FILM, OPENING
IN ITS ERNST ^ YOUNG 3-D THEATER ON NOVEMBER 9. With dazzling computer-generated

landscapes that depict the frozen landscapes of North America, Europe, and Asia, and vivid imagery of majestic

Ice Age beasts, the movie is sure to delight amateur paleontologists of all ages.

In 2010, The Field Museum organized and opened a popular temporary exhibition, Mammoths
and Mastodons: Titans ofthelceAge (now touring museums around the country) and the star

of that show is Lyuba, the world's best-preserved baby mammoth. Forty-thousand-year-old

Lyuba also has a starring role in Titans of the Ice Age 3-1), and she's co-starring with a friend —
a Columbian Mammoth skeleton named Zed who was recently discovered in the ground

under a parking lot in Los Angeles.

In the movie, paleontologist and mammoth expert Dan Fisher, PhD, a professor at the

University of Michigan, explains the significance of recent discoveries like Lyuba and Zed.

Other animals featured in the film include saber-toothed cats, wolves, and giant sloths

that lived 10,000 years before modern civilization.

Shot largely in and around picturesque Yellowstone National Park, Titans ofthelceAge 3-D

also explores our ancient ancestors who were developing art, language, and hunting skills

as they sought to understand and survive in the harsh world around them.

Titans of the Ice Age 3-D is an unforgettable journey back in time— be sure not to miss it!

Tickets can be purchased at the Membership desk and are $5 for Museum Members, itf

16 IN THE FIELD

•1
 Unlock the Vaults... Your dollar in action.
Source: 2070 330 tax form and audited financial statements

by becoming an Annual Fund donor today.

EDUCATION. EXHIBITIONS. SCIENCE. CONSERVATION. 430
Public Programs
These are the cornerstones of The Field Museunn. Tax-deductible gifts to the Annual

Fund ensure that education programs, exhibitions, research, and collections continue

to thrive. Your support maintains our position as one of the leading natural history

museums in the world. As the "Your Dollar in Action" chart indicates, The Field

Museum uses every gift wisely, maximizing the impact of your support.
50
Tundraistng

Annual Fund donors and their families enjoy exclusive access to exhibitions. Field 410
Science and
110
Museum scientists, and special after-hours events. But one of the most exciting parts Conservation
Management
and General 'Expenses
about being a donor is seeing the 99 percent of the collection that is behind the scenes.

Many of our specimens and artifacts, instead of being on display, are used in research

and labs accessed daily by scientists from all over the world.

Do you want to know what is being studied? Do you want insight on the next big break Museunn
Field
in science? Support The Field Museum today, and unlock the secrets of our vaults!
Memberships
For more information, contact Madalyn Kenney, Manager of Annual Giving, Time to renew your membership?
at 312.665.7801 or mkenney@fieldmuseum.org. Call 312.665.7700 Mon.-Jri., 8:3oam-4:30pm

Visit fieldmuseum.org/mem.bership

field memberships also make great gi/ts.'

Double your impact!
Did you know that matching gifts can double the impact of your donation to

The Field Museum? Many companies support their employees' philanthropic giving

by matching their contributions. Check with your human resources department

to see if your company has a matching-gifts program, or visit our website and use

our search tool to determine whether your employer offers a matching-gifts

program (fieldmuseum.org/support/matchinggifts).

museum _„«i„uu„
campusf'^'9'"'** rs

SHEDD AQUARIUM ADLER PLANETARIUM

Shedd's Jellies special exhibit has been extended In Welcome to the Universe, audiences travel a billion

through 2013. Immerse yourself in a mesmerizing light-years and back as they orbit the Moon, fly through

world where simple bell-shaped forms are the result the canyons of Mars and soar through the cosmic web on
of complex biological processes. Even though they their way to the far reaches of the Universe. The Universe:
don't have blood, bones, or brains, jellies aren't as simple A Walk through Space and Time is an interactive

as they look! Then, belugas dance, dolphins soar and exhibition that allows visitors to walk through time and

magic happens in the Holiday Fantasea aquatic show. experience how the Universe evolved over 13.7 billion

Visit www.sheddaquarium.org for more. years. Visit www.adlerplanitarium.com for more.

FALL 2012 17
 Program Tickets + Info 312.665 7400

September
Artists
9.14-9.16,
and Authors* family program
11am-2pm > Join us for a special
C3 G H CI 9 T
dino-sized party as we
1
celebrate the Crownjamily PlayLab's fifth anniversary! Meet Caldecott-
winning author Peter McCarty, listen to master storyteller Linda Gorham,
design your
fossils
own birthday dinosaur hat, and view dinosaur bones and
from the Museum's collections (more info on the right).

Crown
Ci
October
Artists and Authors* family program
10.20, 11am-2pm > Calling all artists! Join us in the CrownTamilyPlayLah
as we participate in The Big Draw Chicago, a citywide program that invites

people of all ages to draw, think, and share. Begin the day at the East

Entrance just outside of the Playlab and create your own sl<etchbook.
Celebrate the PlayLab's 5th Anniversary!
Take it along with you as you meet and work with local artists throughout
Saturdays, 9.8-9.29,* 11am-2pm > Come celebrate the
the Museum on a drawing scavenger hunt.
Crownjamily PlayLab's fifth anniversary! We have fun-filled events

november designed to introduce young families to the four science areas

of the Museum: anthropology, geology, zoology, and botany.
Children will jam with folk musicians, listen as storytellers create
Leai<ey Lecture: Human Biogeography with
masterpieces with local artists, and meet with Field Museum
Dr. Alexander Harcourt* adult program
scientists showcasing specimens from the collections.
11.17, 1pm > Join us for a fascinating lecture on human migrations.
Through the lens of anthropology and biogeography, discover the impact *extended
human and non-human communities have had on each other's geographic weekend
distribution. Dr. Harcourt will take you on an exploration of how and programming
why humans came to be distributed around the world as well as make September
comparisons to the global distribution of primate populations. 14, 15 and 16

Artists and Authors* family program

11.17, 11am-2pm > Join us for a fashion-inspired event as we look at

clothing found in the Museum's collections through the eyes of fashion

designer Maria Pinto. Use these clothes as inspiration to create your

own wearable art!

december
Artists and Authors* family program
Badge Day at The Field
Saturdays, 9am-3:30pm > Badge Day at The Field will have
12.15 & 12.29, 11:30am & 1:30pm > Meet artists and dancers from
Boy Scouts trekking across the Museum with fun scavenger
Kalapriya, an Indian dance and music company, as they visit the Crown
hunts, exploring natural sciences through hands-on activities,
family PlayLab in conjunction with the exhibition Maharaja: The Splendor
and experiencing a beJjjnd-the-scenes touf^^with a Field
ojindia's Royal Courts.
Museum scientist.

Kalapriya Performances* adult family program

Session Dates:
12.29, 11:30am & 1:30pm > Enjoy breathtaking performances by
9.22 > Mammal Study or Indian Lore
the Kalapriya Center for Performing Arts that lead you on a journey 10.6 > Mammals Study or Indian Lore
through India.
10.20 > Environmental SciencePart 1

11.3 > Environmental Science Part 1 or Geology

*FREE with Nluszum Adrr\\isior\.
11.17 > Eni/ironmental Science Part 2 or Geology
intheCrownfamily PlayLab
12.1 > Environmental SciencePart 2 or Mammal Study

$25 per Saturday session for scouts,

$5 per Saturday session for chaperones

fieldmuseum.org Please
to
visit

purchase
fieldmuseum.org/happening/badge-day-field
tickets. Hurry— spaces are filling quickly!
event details are available online!
 Don't miss these
exhibitions before
9 .^ Saturday
Get a close look at the field of botany, the study of they close!
plants. Listen to the classic book. Planting a Rainbow
by Lois Ehlert, then visit the Art Studio to create your
own herbarium sheet. Stick around for a special
The Romance of Ants
very
performance by musician Linda Robertson, from Closes October 20

the Old Town School of Folk Music, and percussionist Learn about the ecology of ants in this

James Warner. innovative exhibition featuring large scale

photographs, videos, and a comic book style
biography of the Museum's resident

ebrate!
myrmecologist. Dr. Corrie Moreau.

Nature's Toolbox: Biodiversity,

Art,and Invention
Closes December 2
iiy B lj H/ Friday B.22 Saturday Take a new look at biodiversity— and its
Meet Field Museum geologists and explore Music plays a big role in anthropology,
importance to human existence— through the
dinosaur and fossil specimens from the the study of people and cultures.
eyes of contemporary artists in this exhibition
collections. Stop in the Art Studio to make Hear the story My Jam/ly Plays Music
featuring sculpture, illustration, video and
a dinosaur birthday hat, then take part in by Judy Cox, then jam with Old Town photography, all informed by science.
fun storytelling sessions as Linda Gorham School of Folk Music musician Yahvi
Art Works for Change presents Nature's Toolbox: Biodiversity,
spins her favorite tales. Pichardo. Let the rhythm move you as
Art, and Invention, with senerous support Jrom: The Nathan
you head into the Art Studio to make
3.1 5 Saturday your own clay flute to take home.
Cummings Foundation^ the National Endowment for the Arts;

The Adobe Toundation; and the Sprint Foundation.

Visit with Caldecott-winning author
Peter McCarty as he reads from his award- 9.29 Saturday
winning books, including the dinosaur Visit us for a one-of-kind insect
Extreme Mammals
tale Tis/orTerrifale. Meet Field Museum experience as we look into the field Closes]anuary 6, 2013

geologists as they showcase dinosaur of zoology. Listen to a reading of Explore the ancestry and evolution of some
and fossil specimens from the collections, The Very Quiet Chcliet by Eric Carle, of the biggest, smallest, and most amazing
then go on a fossil hunt! then use your knowledge of insects mammals of all time in this exhibition featuring

to sculpt your very own bug in the spectacular fossils and vivid reconstructions of
3.1 S Sunday Art Studio. Meet with Field Museum diverse— and sometimes bizarre — species.
Stop in the Art Studio to make a dinosaur
scientists and view insects from our
Organized by the American Museum of Natural H/story,
birthday hat, then take part in fun story-
collections, including live tarantulas, New York, in collaboration with the California Academy of Sciences,
telling sessions as Linda Gorham spins
cockroaches and scorpions! San Francisco; Canadian Museum of Nature, Ottawa, Canada;
her favorite tales. and Cleveland Museum of Natural History.

Major Sponsor: Discover

Overnights at the Museum Getting to The Field Museum

SUE the T. rex is having a sleepover! Join us for a night of family workshops, Many buses and rail lines provide access to Thejield

self-guided tours and fun activities. Explore ancient Egypt by flashlight, prowl an Nluseum. for more information, call SSS.YOURCTA or

African savannah with man-eating lions and take a stroll through the Royal Palace visit 1vw1v.transitchica30.com. Visit 1v1v1v.rtachica30.com
in Bamum, Africa. Then spread your sleeping bag amidst some of our most popular
/or regional transit information.
exhibitions. The event includes an evening snack and continental breakfast
in the morning. Fridays at 5:45pm to 9am the following morning.

Ticket Options
Standard: $63/$53 Members
What do you think about In The Field?
Premium Package 1: $75/$65 Members; allows guests to sleep upstairs in
for questions about the magazine, call 312. 665.7707,
Evolving Planet— with the dinosaurs!
email ewaldren(S)fieldmuseum.org or write Emily Waldren,
Premium Pacl<age 2: $87/$77 Members; allows guests to sleep in Evolving Vianet

and go on a behind-the-scenes tour with a Field Museum scientist! Editor Tor general membership inquiries, including

address changes, call 866.312.2781.

2013 DATES
January 11 • February 1 & 8 • March 1, 8 & 15
April 5 & 12 • May 10 • June 7 always be discovering.

Visit fieldmuseum.org or call 312.665.7400 to register. The Field

Mus
iseum
 ^ ^ NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
The X ^'j^^J^^J^
Xt^J-VJ. us POSTAGE

Museum CHICAGO, IL

1400 South Lake Shore Drive PERMIT NO. 2309

Chicago, IL 60605-2496

Shop Like Royalty

Enter the world of Indian royalty when you visit our Maharaja exhibition store.

Delight In the rich history of India through our selection of stunning jewelry,

luxurious textiles, and amazing one-of-a-kind pieces, such as this hand-carved

frame and painting. Explore Indian cuisine with an array of spices, cookbooks

and kitchen accoutrements. Immerse yourself in the culture with our

carefully chosen collection of books, music, and media.

Plan to join us for our annual Members' Double Discount Holiday Sale
this year beginning Monday, November 26, and continuing through

Sunday, December 2, when all members will receive 20 percent off

store purchases.

And, as always, you can shop the Museum Stores 24 hours a day at

fieldmuseum.org. Remember that all proceeds from the Stores directly

support the Museum's public and scientific programs, and that all Field Museum
members receive 10 percent off their purchases in the Museum Stores.

Give the Gift of

Membersiiip tiiis Holiday Season!
As a current Museum Member, you already Gift memberships include:

know the benefits of a Museum Membership. • Free admission and free tickets to our temporary exhibitions

For the holidays, why not share the gift of discovery • Tickets to our famed Members' Nights

with someone special In your life? The holidays • Discounts on education programs and in the Museum's stores and restaurants

only come around once a year, but a Field Museum • One-year subscription to InTheT'ield member magazine
membership brings joy and excitement to your • And more!
loved one all year long. You can order online, over the phone (312.665.7700), or on your next visit

to The Field Museum.