The 'Indians' of the Amazon Rainforest see NO DIFFERENCE between the

REAL world and the world of Dreams...Day or Night..the seen and the
unseen...strange creatures, real and imagined, haunt these dark waters
and river banks. Death can come in many forms...unknown
animals...bizarre plants...the collecting of Heads to absorb the power of the
former owner...all contribute to an area steeped in legends and
mystery...dreams and myths become reality and the people of the Forest
know there is no dividing line...that there is a sense of wonder in
EVERYTHING.

Welcome To...

The Dark Museum

by Doug Higley

Ensemble
Created Expressly for YOU!
TOP SECRET CRYPTO

FIELD MANUAL
Dept of Crypto-Anthropology Dark Museum
-California Field Unit-
All content is the responsibility of Doug Higley http://Grindshow.com
Important first things first! The Props: Care and About...
When presenting the props to the Guest (spectator), present them methodically and
with the 'respect' due to 'sacred' objects. It is best for wear and tear that you handle the
'Head' during the presentation. Carry a small piece of cloth or velvet that you can
spread out to set them on one by one as you remove them from the chest.
Handle as you would any fine collectable. I have made them of an especially durable
material (no, it's not squishy...real Shrunken heads are hard Leather) but It could break
I suppose if you try, so don't try! Lifetime Free Repair* just in case. :-)
I leave the Ear and the Toe INside the snack bag...makes for better spectator handling
as if they are icky.

Also eat your peas and put the toilet seat down and don't slam the door! Now let's have
some fun...

The Dark Museum

A Mystery Ensemble by Doug Higley
(Material Copyright 2005 Doug Higley)

The Plot and Routine ideas etc:

"The Dark Museum" is presented and unlocked. The 'Museum' (box) is opened and is
shown to contain some very bizarre & mysterious objects. One by one they are
removed and placed on the table and a little told about each. The Shrunken Head! The
Monkey's Paw! The Shaman's Bones! Strange indeed! But the Old Museum is in
financial trouble and a Guest (spectator) is chosen to become a Guest CURATOR, save
the Museum and decide the disposition of the Dark Musems 'catalog' of exhibits. The
Guest must ensure at every decision that their own free choice is being exercised and
that they are not being influenced by the inate power of the Exhibits!

The performer however is aware of the relative power of each of the exhibits and how
they WILL influence the outcome of the decisions made by the Guest Curator.

A 4 sentence Prediction is now written on a piece of paper. Folded and either set aside
or placed near the Guest.

The Guest is asked to select the First Object. Then the 2nd object is chosen and the
third. Each has been disposed of by the Guest's decision in a certain way. One was put
in the box (Museum) to display...the 2nd either winds up on the table in front of the
Guest to maybe sell on the Black Market or the performer to put in Storage and the 3rd
to either the Performer or Guest, whomever doesn't have one yet. The guest is asked if
they would like to trade objects or is that THEIR decision? When the exhibits have been
chosen and are in their proper places, there is an out loud reading of the prediction.
The prediction written before the start of the choosing is deadly accurate in every
way and details the moves made by the Guest of their own Free Choice. Proving that
the Influence of the powerful exhibits was strong in causing the Guest Curator to do the
bidding of The Dark Museum!
The Simple Method: (Based on a brilliant Free Will prediction reading principle
devised by Deddy Corbuzier of Indonesia and used with Permission.)
Here is my method for the Dark Museum. You may have to read it twice. :-)

Once the objects are on the table in front of the guests and a bit of a story is told about
them you will write out a 4 sentence Prediction right in front of them. Fold it and set it
aside.
You will now ask them to CHOOSE One of the Exhibits. (Make sure you emphasize
NOT to give in to the powerful will of the Objects which are trying to influence them!!!!).
-----------------------------------
1st item chosen: (YOU should have ONE hand casually resting on the box at this
point!)
IF they pick the Shrunken Head...put it IN the box to go on display IN the
Museum!!! Then ask them to choose a 2nd item and move that item towards
them. 100% THEIR CHOICE! Then they choose the final 3rd item and you move it
in front of you OR towards them, doesn't matter, they can trade you if they like.
(Now one object, Shrunken Head is in the box and each of you have an object. (either
Monkey's Paw or Bones. At this point go DIRECT to the Prediction phase!
----------------------------------
IF they do NOT choose the Shrunken Head 1st and take either one of the other
objects instead, ask them if it was their OWN DECISION and they were not
influenced in any way? They can either keep this choice OR give it to you. (doesn't
matter, you'll see)

Move on to the 2nd choice. Again, YOU casually rest one hand on the box!!!! (don't
hide this!)

IF they choose the Shrunken Head as the 2nd choice, put it in the box. (By having
your hand there, it looks like that's where the Head was supposed to go anyway.)
Either you or they get the 3rd item (doesn't matter, let them trade if they like) and Go
Direct To Prediction. (again at each step emphasize the free choice aspect)
----------------------------------
If they do NOT choose the Shrunken Head as the 2nd item then ask them WHO
should get the chosen Exhibit? (either the Monkey's Paw or the Bones) If it's
YOU...would they like to trade at this point? (doesn't matter...at any rate this will leave
the Shrunken Head as the 3rd choice.) You Say:

"Now we each have an exhibit and you have left the Shrunken Head...to be put
on display in the Dark Museum!! (put the Head IN the box!) Do you think you were
influenced by the power of the Strange Exhibits of the Dark Museum? Let's find
out! (Go to Prediction)

The PREDICTION YOU write out BEFORE they make their choices will
READ thus:
-------------------------------------------
The Dark Museum has spoken! Choices have been
made...

I am holding the Monkey's Paw

You are holding the Canibal Left Overs

And The Shrunken Head is IN the Dark Museum!

------------------------------------------

The diabolical SECRET:

IF YOU (the performer) are holding the MONKEY'S PAW, YOU READ
the Prediction slowly and out loud.

IF the Guest is holding the Monkey's Paw you will have THEM READ
IT slowly and out loud.

Now that you know the secret...read the method again and
it will all come clear. Cool huh? In order for the effect to
work you only need to pay attention a little bit. :-)
Of course you may have your own method(s) in mind. But this simple self
working process is a beauty, if you don't need to repeat, so...Don't repeat!

An Alternate Envelope Method: (With thanks to Greg Arce for permission

to quote an instruction from his 'Simple Minded'. Also I got a tip or two from Banachek
on the phone. Let me also recommend you see Ted Lesley's terrific column on the
'Norman Houghtan KISMET Envelope'...do a Google search. Also, PLEASE see
possible changes to the scripting below.

This method will give you 3 OUTS. You only need ONE Envelope! This prediction
method will allow the 'Guest' 100% Free Choice on which of the Strange Objects
goes on DISPLAY as you will have 2 of the slips pre written and in 'secret'
compartments of the envelope, with the prediction slip you write 'on the spot' going into
the center compartment.

Use the original method but the only change being which of the 3 items gets put in the
box. The correct prediction will then be presented as in the original method being read
by either the performer or the guest depending on the disposition of the other 2 items.
(Each of the 3 predictions will have a different 1 of the 3 objects in the box.) BUT...this
method is really unneccesary as the original self working method works great. I just
put it here for possibilities. Here is Greg Arce's Pay Envelope instruction from "Simple
Minds" to make 3 of the envelopes. (You will only need 1 prepared envelope for the
actual performance:)

"Okay, now all the slips are done so it’s time to make up the envelopes. You will need six of
them and I use the size that is 3 by 5, but you can make them smaller or larger, and change the
size of the slips accordingly.
You are going to cut three of the envelopes so that they fit into the other uncut envelopes. Each
cut envelope is made as follows: Slice off the top of the envelope so you’ve removed the flap.
Then slice about 1/16 of an inch or less from each of the long sides of the envelope. You want to
take off just enough so that the envelope is now just two pieces held together by the bottom edge.

This insert should look like a large three dimensional V shape when you open it up. Jam one of
these large Vs into one of the whole envelopes… bottom edge going towards the bottom of the
whole envelope. If you’ve cut it just right you will now have an envelope that has four walls to
it… two on the outside and two on the inside.
Make sure that this inner insert is snug inside the envelope. Also, see if the edge of the inner V,
at the top, peeks over the top edge of the full envelope… it should barely be visible… just
enough to lightly grab with your nail or finger. If it’s longer than that then remove this V and
shave off some more from the top.
I’m sure by looking inside you can now see that we have created three areas inside the envelope
where you can place three different slips."

Thanks Greg! I also recommend going to the Ted Lesley web page above as he has included
some easy diagrams as to handling of the Houghtan 'Kismet' Envelope.

Alternate Routine Scripting Changes:

If you plan on using the Alternate Method with the 3 Out Envelope, this allows for a
slight script change. Since now the Guest can choose the disposition of the BOX item
entirely with out a force of any kind. The wording could be more geared toward the
Power of the objects in influencing decisions etc.

The Guest will then choose what THEY think is the MOST powerful to be put on
Display. Then...The NEXT Powerful to be put in storage and the LEAST Powerful to be
sold on the Black Market. Of course you still choose WHO reads the Prediction OUT
LOUD... there will be 3 predictions necessary.
One for each of the 3 objects that MIGHT be chosen for the Display Box.

Whatever they choose to go on Display will be put in the box. That will be your key
prediction to determine which of the slips you will need. I'm guessing they will choose
the Shrunken Head so you may want that to be your 'on the spot' written prediction in
the Center compartment of the envelope. But it doesn't matter.

This allows for a potential repeat, at say a nearby table (not right after though!!!) which
is not possible with the original method.

Also: With either Method, the chance exists to add whatever additional effect you
choose...for example, what a perfect spot to do the old Voodoo Ashes in The Palm to
show the latent power that remains in say, the Monkeys Paw or any of the props.
(If you do not know the ashes in the palm effect just eMail me at doug@lionpoint.com)

And Thanks to Clifford Ball for the following Excellent scripting Idea:

"...finding some pieces from the old museum at Miskatonic University in Arkham, Massachusetts
before that terrible accident...the one we don't want to talk about. In the curator's journal there
was mention of objects seeming able to control his decisions - ones that wanted nothing to do
with people, ones that wanted to leave, and ones that had hidden agendas and needed to be seen
by seekers of knowledge to possess them. He makes mention in his journal, here, of three objects
in particular and their destinations, these three objects, that seemed to control him against his
better judgment. This incident haunted him to the end and eventually caused his breakdown.
Would you care to participate in an experiment? I know it sounds a little strange - objects taking
away your free will. But please handle these objects individually and make these simple
decisions about them...." then "Are you sure your decisions were of your own free will? Are you
sure? Please read from the curator's journal.....'May these events pass for you as simply a
strange coincidence you eventually forget with time, I pray you don't suffer the obsession and
torment of the curator...or myself....'

Michael Baker offered a GREAT idea...wrap EACH exhibit in a piece of cloth, loose tie
with a piece of string. The unveiling of each, one at a time as you describe it, will add
Drama to the experience.

A Plot Alternate
(Suggested by Bill Palmer)
Not a Museum but a Jungle Tale..This would be an Adventure Story as the Box is the
prized possesion of a Jungle Shaman (his kit) and contains all his most powerful
magical items used to create spells and control others. Maybe you snatched it from his
hut while on your trip to the Amazon?
Here's what Bill Palmer said after seeing the Ensemble:
"The whole set has an ambience that makes it look like something a shaman who was practicing
in a half-civilized Central American country might have on a shelf in his storefront or in his hut.
Or perhaps like something ...in the possession of someone who had gotten there five minutes
before Harrison Ford came crashing through the jungle."

As you can see, you have in your posession a very powerful medium to create the story
and set the stage for an amazing effect and use your imagination. I'm sure there will be
many more plots and thoughts you and others will think of. I'll be collecting them.

The Monkey's Paw: I could fill these pages with the story but it's better if you do a
Google search to get the original. It's on line and Public Domain. You should know the
elements of this tale so you can incorporate them with the effect. Basically the Monkey's
Paw allows for three wishes. But be VERY VERY careful what you wish for! Yes...it's a
Horror Story told many times in many ways but now you have the prop to present the
shivers properly. :-)

The Shrunken Head or TSANTSA: These were Battle Trophies and were
predominently taken by the Shuar people of the Amazon. BUT since nobody knows
them just use the popular term Jivaro. (HEE va-ro).
It was an 'honor' (yeah right) to take the head of your adversary and shrink it. The skull
was removed by a slit in the back...the holes sewn up and the head was filled with hot
sand and a preperation of herbs etc. As the head was treated inside and out and
became 'leather' and was reducing in size (kept moist and hot) it was manipulated to
retain the actual features of the fallen warrior. The hair often changed color due to
certain herbs (henna) in the potion. The taking of heads is now illegal..but a few do
show up now and again. (A real Shrunken head fetches many many thousands of
dollars.) There are also some realistic fakes that come out of Equador...some can be
quite real looking but all have a certain problem...they STINK to high heaven as they are
made from Goat Skin. PeeYew. Mine are NOT made from Goat Skin. Important NOTE:
Your 'Head' might represent a Chinese Railroad Worker...or British or Spanish
Explorer or maybe even a Pirate who wandered into the Jungle. Study your 'Head'...give
it a name or develop it's own personal story. Become one with your 'Head'! hahaha.

The Cannibal Leftovers:..'booga booga'!...carried by the Amazon Pygmy Shaman of

the Guyazi Tribe. A 'Lost' unknown tribe reported by a Jessuit Priest Father Acuna in
the 1500's as a "tribe of whose members were no larger than tender babies."
Contains powerful magic amulets and spirits of the dead...or whatever you want it to be
'full of'.

I hope you enjoy your Dark Museum Ensemble!

Thank you...I am Doug Higley. I've been making weird things I think FOREVER!

You can see about me on my websites:

The Props at http://grindshow.com

I hang out at the Magic Cafe on occasion.

Doug Higley
1-760-652-6010
111 Via Solaro
Encinitas, California 92024

BY the way...I keep no stock of 'Heads'...your 'Head' was made specifically for you and
this ensemble. Also for the original owner only: If it gets run over by a truck or the hair
falls out or whatever, just send it back and I'll repair it Free or replace it. Of course that
depends on your attitude! After all I'm a sensitive artist!

Shrunken Head looks best when it's cradled in your hand or in the Chest.

Later
See ya down the road.......