stories of the land 2015: A Reflection by Ethan

Zanzibar is famous for its large, intricately carved doors. Originally designed as status symbols to show off the wealth of the owner of the home, they have now become symbols of Zanzibar's rich history. The influence of many of the cultures that have come together to make Zanzibar what it is today can be seen in the doors. The doors are as much art as they are portals or pieces of history. The doors show how the meaning of art is different in Africa than it is in the US. At home, these doors would be kept under lock and key, collecting dust in the Smithsonian, while in Zanzibar, the doors are just as functional now as they were when they were made. In the west, art is defined as having no particular value or function in and of itself, while in Africa, art is valued not only for its aesthetics, but also for how it functions and performs everyday tasks. It shows how Africa doesn't share the west's anxiety about preserving the past through objects, instead art here is a fascinating hybrid of form and function showcasing how Africa consistently refuses to obey and follow the norms adopted elsewhere in the world.