Voyaging Tamgaly

Voyaging Tamgaly is an AR experience inspired by the ancient petroglyphs of Central Asia, known as Tamgaly. These stone carvings, often imbued with sacred meaning, connect humanity with the cosmos through their alignment with open landscapes and star constellations. The project reimagines these ancient symbols as portable digital artifacts, preserving their cultural and spiritual significance while adapting them to modern contexts. Rather than relying on photogrammetry, I have chosen to recreate the carvings manually, imbuing them with personal care and emotional resonance. This approach emphasizes the human connection to these symbols, reflecting the fragility of cultural heritage and the urgency of preservation amidst threats like vandalism and neglect. Users can interact with the Voyaging Tamgaly by placing the symbols in various locations, ideally aligned to the east, where they may serve as guiding markers, much like constellations that navigate our paths. Through AR, these artifacts gain new life, transforming public spaces into sites of reflection and storytelling. The project reinterpreting ancient carvings as modern symbolic tools. Its message and user experience explore themes of guidance, connection, and preservation, while its impact highlights the role of digital tools in safeguarding endangered cultural treasures for future generations. Instructions for Voyaging Tamgaly 1. Find an open outdoor space, such as a park or steppe, ideally with a clear night sky. 2. Place the AR experience in the chosen location, facing east. 3. Observe the Tamgaly as it communicates with you and the sky. 4. Explore the connections between the Tamgaly, constellations, the sky, and planets.