The newest exhibit at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History is not exactly a headliner for the museum, seeing as it is housed in just one small room inside an already existing exhibit. Despite not receiving top billing, Discovering Rastafari has made the absolute most of of its limited allotment, filling it to the brim with the colorful images and stories of a vibrant faith.

The exhibit's hand-painted sign draws you in, clashing with the subdued and straightforward African Voices to which it is appended. Beginning with an ode to Haile Selassie I and delving far beyond the music and herb culture that is responsible for much of the movement's fame, Discovering Rastafari is nothing if not comprehensive. The small room is certainly full, yet it never feels cluttered. The advisory committee, an international group which included a few D.C. natives, has given the exhibit a personal feel, telling the story of the Rastafari movement not just through words, but photos, artifacts, paintings, and video, as well.

Photo credit: © Susanne Moss/SelahPhotos.com

And it certainly is an interesting narrative. Though it is firmly rooted in the scripture, the Rastafari movement is still a new faith, with original themes and interpretations continuing to develop. The Old Testament is only a tool for guiding the faithful through struggles over race, sovereignty, and the defining of a common worldview. Bob Marley is given a nod here, but lesser known elements of the movement, such as its distinct diet and overriding themes of repatriation to Africa, are given equal time.

The Rastafari community has shown its support by turning out in strong numbers over the early days of the exhibit. A woman from Alexandria told us that Rastas from around the region are excited about the opening and "a lot of people came to celebrate it." The NMNH should be commended for creating an exhibit with such a comfortable and communal atmosphere. They also avoided a potential trap in presenting an exhibit so identified with a single country, in this case Jamaica, and instead recognized the Afro centricity of the Rastafari movement by associating it with the surrounding exhibit that spans the African continent.

Discovering Rastafari runs through Nov. 8, 2008. The National Museum of Natural History, open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., is located at the intersection of 10th Street and Constitution Ave., NW.