Raising awareness through art: the Great Elephant Migration

The “Great Elephant Migration” brings 100 life-size elephant sculptures around the world created with lantana camara, an invasive plant harmful to natural habitats

The “Great Elephant Migration” is one of the world’s most spectacular mobile art installations, featuring 100 life-size elephant sculptures. The project was created by “The Coexistence Collective,” with the ambitious goals of raising awareness about elephant conservation and funding initiatives that support peaceful coexistence among humans and wildlife.

Artisans from the Nilgiri Hills and the Lantana Camara Connection

These magnificent sculptures were crafted for five years by approximately 200 artisans from indigenous tribes inhabiting southern India’s Nilgiri Hills: Bettakurumba, Paniya, Kattunayakan, and Soliga. Material used by the artisans: lantana camara, an invasive plant species in Indian forests.

As the name suggests, Lantana Camara is the preferred choice. Grown in the wild, this plant is sure to threaten the very existence of native habitats, which in turn would drive wild animals out of their natural ecosystems and into cities. Clearing it for the creation of the sculptures, on the other hand, will encourage environmental conservation and the rehabilitation of natural habitats.

Conservation to be funded through sales of art

They have toured the UK, including London, and are currently touring the US, with cities such as New York, Miami, Houston, and Los Angeles already showcasing the herd, among others. Each sculpture is available to buy, ranging in price from $8,000 up to $22,000. The proceeds go directly to projects that support human-wildlife coexistence.

Cultural heritage and respect for nature

But probably the most captivating part of this endeavor is the deep cultural tie indigenous communities have with nature. In the Nilgiri Hills, the coexistence of people and elephants is engrained into a core part of daily life-one that has a really spiritual grounding, where each element of nature is possessed with spirit and dignity.

This deep respect for nature cuts to the very core of the message given by the “Great Elephant Migration.” It serves to remind people of the importance of living in harmony with wildlife. The project not only celebrates the beauty and majesty of elephants but also serves to create positive change in the way that humans relate to nature.

Source: The Great Elephant Migration