National Museum of the American Indian

I was really interested to look at the ways that the NMAI injects the perspectives and expertise of Native people into the displays of their collection. In Infinity of Nations, the museum displays objects dating from 11,000 BC to the present day. While the Transformer: Native Art in Light and Sound exhibit showcases contemporary Native artists, Infinity of Nations generally focuses on a more historical view. What I found really interesting was that the more traditional curatorial voice of the exhibit text was supplemented by information provided by Native people. I think this provides a different perspective on the objects that visitors might not always get at museums. It also highlights the important fact that these artifacts are not the relics of some vanished culture- many of the groups represented here are still around today.

I found this Mapuche woman’s description of a drum and the symbolism behind it more interesting than just reading a label written by someone at the museum.

I was also really interested to see that the museum is in the process of creating the imagiNATIONS Activity Center. This area will highlight the ways that Native innovations have shaped our modern world. This center will help the NMAI engage with visitors, emphasizing important contributions by Native Americans in a very hands-on way. I definitely will visit again to check out this activity center when it’s complete.