Nakaiy Almanac

1994-2022

In recent years, the effects of climate change have disrupted the once reliable predictions derived from Nakaiy. Fluctuations, deviations, and breakdowns in the previously stable structure of the monsoon have subsequently impacted locally formed weather. Consequently, these changes disrupt the micro-to-macro understandings of the Nakaiy, and the ability to interpret environmental cues, such as the formation of westerly clouds at sunrise, the presence of bait fish on the island's northern reef during morning fishing, or the afternoon breeze and increased sea surface chop. The meanings associated with these cues have become increasingly challenged and uncertain due to the unpredictable nature of recent changing weather patterns and out-of-sync cycles of fauna, flora and marine activity.

The Nakaiy Almanac endeavours to visually and quantitively interweave the embodied indigenous knowledge across Nakaiy periods, engaging in a dialogue with typically inaccessible quantitative daily data sourced from meteorological archives starting from 1994.

The value and knowledge of the Nakaiy extends beyond the available weather data, enabling knowledge holders and the calendar to reach further back in time. The data presented includes windspeed, rainfall, atmospheric pressure, cloud cover, temperature, and humidity, all directly or indirectly connected to core observations within the Nakaiy. By mapping these variables, the visualisation exposes both macro and micro patterns, as well as yearly anomalies and extremes. For instance, it showcases differences between the Iruvaa and Hulhangu monsoons, as well as sub-periods within these seasons characterized by higher temperatures, winds, or rainfall. To enhance the comprehension of these patterns over time, varying line weights and colour gradients are employed, signifying changes in patterns through the thickness of lines or the intensity of colour.

As a technical tool, the Nakaiy Almanac aspires to function as an almanac that not only values traditional understandings and knowledge of weather but also provides viewers with insights to interpret current weather data and patterns through their own embodied understanding and experience of weather.

While the ability to predict the weather as per past methods may no longer be feasible (given the current trajectory of climate change), the Nakaiy Almanac aims to foster a deeper cultural and locally tangible appreciation of the threats and challenges posed by climate change, without relying on projected Western understandings or framings.