Traditional wooden door, Zanzibar 2023 (photo)

Zanzibar doors made from teak or mahogany.The distinctive brass studs originated as a defence against war elephants in India, but has always been purely decorative in Stone Town. Each door is subtly different - craftsmen tailored the doors and stone reliefs above them to the social position, religious practices and occupation of its owner. Islam banned the depiction of living things, hence most door patterns were abstract, with the designs suggesting the natural objects that inspired them. The doorframe is always carved with a chain/ rope to enslave evil spirits attempting to enter the residence. Arab inscriptions carved in the stone friezes are often verses from the Quran or the names of the owner of the house.