The Power of Awe: Smithsonian's Indigenous Wisdom
Explore how the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian inspires awe through Indigenous cosmologies and lessons in environmental stewardship.
The Transformative Power of Awe at the Smithsonian
Awe is one of humanity's most profound emotional experiences. Evolutionary psychologist Dacher Keltner describes awe as occurring when we encounter something vast that challenges our mental frameworks. The Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian offers precisely this transformative experience through its celebration of Indigenous wisdom.
Experiencing Indigenous Cosmologies
The museum's architecture itself inspires awe:
- Curved golden limestone walls emerge organically from wetland gardens
- Fluid interior spaces connect earth and sky across four floors
- The "Our Universes" exhibit presents eight Indigenous worldviews through:
- Sacred medicine wheels
- Seasonal cycles
- Animal symbolism
- Elemental relationships
These displays reveal a fundamental truth: humans thrive when living in harmony with nature rather than seeking to dominate it.
Lessons in Stewardship vs. Ownership
The "Nation to Nation" exhibit highlights contrasting worldviews:
| Indigenous Perspective | European Perspective |
|---|---|
| Treaties as living relationships | Treaties as static contracts |
| Shared land stewardship | Individual ownership |
| Oral traditions | Written documents |
This historical clash remains painfully relevant today as we face environmental crises rooted in extractive ownership models.
The Commodification of Culture
The "Americans" exhibit presents a sobering display of:
- 500+ commercial products using Native imagery
- Sports team mascots
- Stereotypical advertising
This commodification stands in stark contrast to the museum's deeper lessons about:
- Sacred relationships with land
- Intergenerational wisdom
- Community reciprocity
Planning Your Visit
While some exhibits may change post-pandemic, the museum offers:
- Virtual tour options
- Online educational resources
- Temporary exhibit updates on their website
Why Awe Matters Today
In our era of climate change and disconnection, Indigenous perspectives offer:
- Sustainable land relationships
- Holistic wellbeing practices
- Community-centered values
As Keltner's research shows, regular awe experiences can:
- Reduce stress
- Increase generosity
- Enhance life satisfaction
The National Museum of the American Indian provides both an awe-inspiring architectural experience and vital cultural wisdom we urgently need.