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
catbirdinchina
8 Jul 2015All three doors are fabulous, Ron, but I love the Christian and Indian ones the most! 🙂 They’re all so ornate and rich in detail.
fotograffer
9 Jul 2015I agree. They are the most attractive. Are you back In The States?
catbirdinchina
9 Jul 2015No not yet, Ron! I’ll be in LA by the afternoon of the 15th!
Tina Schell
8 Jul 2015Interestingly 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.
fotograffer
9 Jul 2015That’s an interesting thought. Doors had to be sturdy as well as convey ones status to protect from intruders? Great comment, Tina. Thanks.
balticbliss
8 Jul 2015Haha – we chose the same “door” quote from Aldous Huxley 🙂 These doors are beautiful!
fotograffer
9 Jul 2015Great minds work a like.😀 thanks.
Lynne Ayers
8 Jul 2015GREAT selection. Particularly like that middle one.
fotograffer
9 Jul 2015Thank you, Lynne. The fact that the middle door is open with light coming through certainly makes it the most welcoming. Thanks for visiting.
RMW
8 Jul 2015Gorgeous photos of one of my favorite subjects.
fotograffer
9 Jul 2015Mine too. Thanks for the visit.
anotherday2paradise
8 Jul 2015Beautiful doors, Ron. I like the open one the best. 🙂
fotograffer
9 Jul 2015Most seem to. I wonder it it is because it is open and welcoming? Thanks Sylvia.
Bipasha
9 Jul 2015beautiful!
fotograffer
9 Jul 2015Thank you so much and thanks for visiting
Pinetree Photo Nature Discovery
9 Jul 2015These are gorgeous Ron, so ornate (they just don’t make ‘um like that anymore).
fotograffer
9 Jul 2015Indeed, they don’t. The craftsmanship involved is a lost art.
WhatAWonderfulWorld
10 Jul 2015Gorgeous photos! I love all of the details in the doors 🙂
fotograffer
12 Jul 2015Thanks so much. I am pleased you liked them.