Carved door, Lamu
Lamu · 18 February 2024
Lamu's carved doors are its best-known craft: heavy hardwood, a lintel worked in geometric or floral relief, and traditionally a way of signalling a household's wealth before anyone got as far as the knocker.
The design language is Swahili coast by way of the Indian Ocean trade - Arab, Persian and Gujarati influence all worked into the same panel over generations. The door was the first thing built on a Lamu house, and the house was built round it.
Birds, insects, plants and other wildlife, mostly from Brooklyn, with some from further afield.
Every photograph comes with notes on what it is.
Selected
Favourite shots. Filter by subject, or .
Places
Everything, by where it was taken.
Species
Larger catalogue of photos organized by species of animal or plant.
Catalogue
Every photograph, newest first. Narrow it by period, place or species; the three work together.
Updates
Coming soon. Sign up at the bottom of the page for updates.