A focused series on the carved wooden doors of Stone Town, Zanzibar.
The doors are one of the most recognisable features of Stone Town's streetscape, varying in style according to the cultural origin of the household. Zanzibari doors tend to be large-scale, carved with geometric and floral patterns, and fitted with brass studs — some depicting animal forms or Arabic calligraphy. Indian-influenced doors feature jaali (wooden latticework) for ventilation and privacy. Arab-style doors carry Quranic inscriptions and geometric detailing. European-era doors are simpler in form, typically with wrought-iron grilles and painted finishes.
The carvings were not purely decorative — they historically communicated the identity and social standing of the homeowner. Studded doors were designed to resist forced entry; latticed screens allowed observation of the street from within. Each door in the series is a record of the cultural and functional history embedded in Stone Town's architecture.