I saw this door on a walk the other day and it felt like magic. After reading about the presence of West African Adinkra symbols in the ironwork of New Orleans and other U.S. cities where enslaved blacksmiths once worked, metal has been drawing my eye. I’ve been looking at the intricate designs of wrought iron gates and doors in my neighborhood, sometimes recognizing Adinkra symbols and sometimes just admiring a pretty thing. I’ve been thinking about ironwork as a form of urban public prayer and messaging that has been used by Black artisans for centuries. On some
some doors
some doors
some doors
I saw this door on a walk the other day and it felt like magic. After reading about the presence of West African Adinkra symbols in the ironwork of New Orleans and other U.S. cities where enslaved blacksmiths once worked, metal has been drawing my eye. I’ve been looking at the intricate designs of wrought iron gates and doors in my neighborhood, sometimes recognizing Adinkra symbols and sometimes just admiring a pretty thing. I’ve been thinking about ironwork as a form of urban public prayer and messaging that has been used by Black artisans for centuries. On some