How the museum actually got the piece of art/exhibition in Arizona natural history Museum Columbian mammoth, Mammuthus columbi. Mammoths entered North America from Eurasia via the Beringia land bridge from Asia to North America between 1.6 and 1.3 million years ago. There are several species of mammoth, but all identified with certainty from Arizona are Columbian mammoths. Columbian mammoths stood up to 13 feet (4 meters) tall at the shoulder and weighed 9.8 tons (10,000 kilograms). They grew tusks up to 16 feet (4.9 meters), the longest in the elephant family

The process of obtaining the piece of art or exhibition depicting the Columbian mammoth at the Arizona Natural History Museum would involve several steps:

1. Research and Planning: The museum's curators, researchers, and acquisition specialists would identify the need or relevance of having an artwork or exhibition related to the Columbian mammoth. They would assess the availability of such pieces in the market or consider commissioning artists to create the desired artwork.

2. Acquisition: Once an appropriate piece is identified, the museum would negotiate with the artist, art dealer, or owner for the purchase or loan of the artwork/exhibition. This could involve financial considerations, legal agreements, and logistical arrangements.

3. Transportation and Installation: If the artwork is being purchased or borrowed from a distant location, arrangements would be made for its transportation to the museum. Depending on the size and weight, specialized crews or companies may be hired to handle the logistics. Once the artwork arrives at the museum, experts and museum staff would carefully install it according to best practices and exhibition design plans.

4. Interpretation and Display: The museum would develop interpretive materials and displays to accompany the artwork/exhibition, providing contextual information about the Columbian mammoth, its significance, and its relevance to the museum's collections or educational goals.

5. Maintenance and Conservation: The museum would have a dedicated team responsible for the long-term preservation, maintenance, and conservation of the artwork/exhibition. This involves regular monitoring, cleaning, and taking necessary measures to ensure its longevity and integrity.

By following these steps, the Arizona Natural History Museum could obtain and showcase an artwork or exhibition representing the Columbian mammoth in its collection, educating visitors about the mammoth's history, characteristics, and significance in the region.

The process of acquiring a piece of art or exhibition for a museum can vary depending on the specific circumstances and the policies of the museum. However, I can provide you with a general step-by-step explanation of how the Arizona Natural History Museum might have obtained the Columbian mammoth exhibit:

1. Acquisition Planning: The museum would identify the need for a Columbian mammoth exhibit and develop a plan to acquire it. This might involve discussions with curators, researchers, and other experts to determine the significance, availability, and feasibility of obtaining the exhibit.

2. Research and Collaboration: The museum's staff would conduct extensive research to identify potential sources and individuals or organizations that can provide the Columbian mammoth exhibit. They might collaborate with paleontologists, researchers, and other museums to gather information on available specimens or replicas.

3. Sourcing the Exhibit: If there is an existing Columbian mammoth specimen or replica available, the museum would reach out to the owner or custodian to discuss the possibility of acquiring it. This could involve negotiations, financial considerations, and legal agreements.

4. Collection or Creation: Depending on the availability and condition of existing specimens, the museum might choose to collect a new specimen or create a replica. If collecting a new specimen, trained paleontologists or excavation teams would be involved in the process of excavating the fossilized remains. If creating a replica, the museum might work with experts in paleo-sculpting or 3D printing to produce an accurate representation of the Columbian mammoth.

5. Acquiring and Transporting: Once the exhibit is identified, the museum would arrange for the acquisition or transport of the exhibit to the museum's location. In the case of a fossil, this process might involve careful packing and shipping to ensure its preservation and safety during transportation.

6. Preparation and Display: Once the exhibit arrives at the museum, preparations would be made to ensure its proper preservation and display. This might include cleaning, restoration, mounting, and designing an exhibit space that showcases the Columbian mammoth effectively.

7. Interpretation and Education: The museum would develop educational materials, signage, and interactive displays to provide visitors with information about the Columbian mammoth, its significance, and its history in Arizona. This step helps the museum fulfill its role as an educational institution.

It's important to note that this is a general overview, and the actual process may involve additional steps or considerations specific to the Arizona Natural History Museum or any other museums involved in acquiring exhibits.