Swi Gunting

Contrary to popular belief the first ever scissor lift, or elevated work platform, was created and used in Indonesia. Very little is known of the small volcanic island called Tana Swiwi; off the coast of Cirebon in the Java Sea. It is thought to have sunk in a volcanic eruption 800 years ago. The “Purwaka Caruban Nagari’ mentions the arrival of a Chinese ship which had come to trade with the local population. Artefacts found in Cirebon prove its existence.

The object, known as Swi Gunting, functioned both as a practical tool for building but also as a ritual tool used to praise the spirits of the birds found on the island. Similar to storks, these birds had unusually long legs that had several joints to create a scissor like effect. Hence the conception for creating this tool was derived from the bird’s natural formation.

It is thought this island was probably pre-Hindu or at least carried the practice of worshipping natural phenomena and their spirits, rather than known religious spirits or gods, through the decoration of functional objects. The carving and paintwork are also thought to represent their ancestors.  

The Museum of Lost Worlds

A former secret service agent founded The Museum of Lost Worlds in 2006. While searching for a nameless assassinator the agent came across documents confirming the existence of a number of forgotten worlds. His position was hastily terminated although he continues to research these lands with a growing team of dedicated geographers and archaeologists in a secret hideout north of Melbourne. 

Due to the controversial nature of uncovering these worlds there is a very real threat of mass hysteria erupting following their public display. Consequently the museum, rather than finding a permanent space, exhibits in one off shows (also known as uncoverings) around the world.