The Doors of Zanzibar – a Triptych

The Doors of Zanzibar – a Triptych

The Doors of Zanzibar

Doors, it seems, always have a message for us. An open door bids us welcome; an invitation to pass through. A closed door gives a terse message to keep out; we are not welcome.

In Zanzibar, an ancient island in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of Tanzania, doors have more significance than most places. Zanzibar has long been a crossroads along the ancient trading routes between Africa, India, and Persia. Doors became status symbols of wealth and social status. Construction of a new house traditionally started with the elaborately carved front door, which, essentially, became a calling card advertising the occupation and status of the owner.

The triptych here shows three different door styles from Stone Town in Zanzibar. The first in the Arabic style, the second from a Christian church and the third, an Indian.

For more on the doors of Zanzibar click here. For more on Doors, this week’s photo challenge, click here.

There are things known and there are things unknown, and in between are the doors of perception.

___Aldous Huxley

 

Ron Mayhew

Fine Art Photographer specializing in Still Life and Commercial Photography.

This Post Has 19 Comments

  1. All three doors are fabulous, Ron, but I love the Christian and Indian ones the most! 🙂 They’re all so ornate and rich in detail.

    1. I agree. They are the most attractive. Are you back In The States?

      1. No not yet, Ron! I’ll be in LA by the afternoon of the 15th!

  2. Interestingly Ron, the same is true of colonial Charleston, especially the ships’ captains homes. Perhaps they got the idea from their travels in lands like Zanzibar! Beautiful choices- love the use of sepia an them.

    1. That’s an interesting thought. Doors had to be sturdy as well as convey ones status to protect from intruders? Great comment, Tina. Thanks.

  3. Haha – we chose the same “door” quote from Aldous Huxley 🙂 These doors are beautiful!

    1. Great minds work a like.😀 thanks.

  4. GREAT selection. Particularly like that middle one.

    1. Thank you, Lynne. The fact that the middle door is open with light coming through certainly makes it the most welcoming. Thanks for visiting.

  5. Gorgeous photos of one of my favorite subjects.

    1. Most seem to. I wonder it it is because it is open and welcoming? Thanks Sylvia.

  6. beautiful!

    1. Thank you so much and thanks for visiting

    1. Indeed, they don’t. The craftsmanship involved is a lost art.

    1. Thanks so much. I am pleased you liked them.

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