Fios da Ancestralidade

Roots

Tracing the journeys and stories behind each braid’s origin.

A close-up view of a woven fabric showcasing a detailed pattern and texture with tightly interlaced fibers. The image focuses on the intersection of different textile strands, highlighting the intricate craftsmanship.
A collection of vibrant woven textiles is displayed on a black rack, each featuring intricate geometric patterns in red, yellow, and various colors. The textiles appear handcrafted with traditional designs, surrounded by a decorative frame with gold accents.
A display wall featuring photographs and framed texts. The left side has a series of portraits of various individuals, accompanied by text in a language that appears to be Bengali. On the right side, there is a large photograph of a person with glasses and additional text, alongside a flag with a red circle on a green background. The setting is well-lit, with spotlights and a purple illuminated ceiling, and features wooden shelving with books.
An expansive tree with numerous large, sprawling roots covering the ground. The tree has a thick trunk and is surrounded by dense vegetation, including broad-leafed plants. In the background, a wall and what appears to be a thatched structure can be seen. The entire scene is rendered in black and white, giving it a timeless, serene feeling.

Roots Rise

The storefront of a hair and wigs shop features two large murals with portraits of Marielle Franco and Breonna Taylor. The artwork includes text in both Portuguese and English, posing poignant questions about social justice and the impact of violence. The shop windows are boarded up, and the murals are displayed against a gray-blue exterior wall.

Territory Marked

Black braiders carve out spaces of cultural and economic value despite systemic segregation and exclusion.

A person with braided hair stands outdoors, leaning against a white wall. They are wearing a black t-shirt with graphic text that reads 'TRAPPERS'. The background features blurred urban elements, such as buildings and a street.

Flows Shift

Internal migrations reveal how braiders adapt and sustain their craft across changing cityscapes.

A hand-drawn flowchart on a white paper sheet features various web interface sketches connected by arrows. Post-it notes with texts like 'V2' and 'YES' are attached to specific sections. A marker and part of a laptop are visible nearby.

Roots Connect

Family trees and shared stories weave together the transmission of ancestral knowledge through generations.

A stylized tree with branches covered in metallic, disc-like objects set against a rich red background. The ground is textured with dark, swirling patterns and small stones.

Flows Shift

The vibrant heritage of Black braiders thrives today, embodied in their daily practices and community bonds.

Join Us

Support the stories and strength of Black braiders shaping culture and economy.

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