Fios da Ancestralidade

Location Map

Tracing roots and cultural spaces

Origins

697 Hilltop Street, Springfield, MA, USA

Territory

9am – 6pm

Roots

Tracing the journeys and origins of Black braiders’ knowledge.

An ornate metal archway decorated with intricate wrought iron scrollwork stands amidst lush greenery. A round sign at the top reads 'Caminho das Abelhas' in elegant script. Hanging below the sign is a metal sculpture resembling a beehive with two bees. Vines with green and yellow leaves climb over the structure, and a stone pathway can be seen behind.
A collection of woven baskets containing various natural materials is arranged on a patterned cloth. The baskets hold yarn balls in different colors, dried herbs, seeds, and ears of dark seed corn. Additional elements include bowls with ground powders and scattered leaves in the background.
A person with intricately braided hair wearing a red beret and a gray blazer is positioned in front of a vibrant orange fabric with dark green and black patterns. The person's expression is serious, and the lighting highlights their facial features and the texture of the fabric.
A mural on a brick wall depicts people interacting with a large tree, using ladders to reach its branches. The tree is situated in a circular stone planter. Various objects, including scientific instruments and books, are amidst the foliage. The scene conveys a sense of exploration and curiosity.
A dimly lit wall adorned with several framed photographs featuring various hairstyles and people receiving haircuts or styling in a barbershop setting.

Roots Begin

A person with braided hair is shown in profile against a textured, earthy wall. The subject is wearing a colorful, patterned garment with vibrant colors.

Territory Map

This map reveals where Black braiders live and work, highlighting neighborhoods shaped by history and resilience.

A monochrome street scene featuring a narrow pedestrian walkway lined with shops and closed storefronts. Several people are sitting and standing near potted plants along the path. An escalator is visible on the right side, with an individual standing near it. A small car is parked in the middle of the pathway, and various signs are hanging above or against the shop entrances on both sides, displaying text in Portuguese. The background features tall buildings, enhancing the urban setting.

Flow Patterns

Tracing internal migrations, this visualization shows how braiders move within cities, weaving networks of support.

An industrial-style staircase with metal railings and a mesh enclosure is visible, leading to an upper floor in a building. The surrounding area appears slightly worn, with exposed pipes and cracked paint. A phrase in Portuguese, 'ela é um elo,' is written on a nearby wall, adding an artistic touch. Some greenery can be seen in the background.

Family Tree

The Baobá tree symbolizes the transmission of knowledge from elders to younger generations of braiders.

A tree with intertwined branches and roots, adorned with various postcards and papers hanging down on strings. The leaves of the tree are visible in the background, with dappled light coming through them. The postcards have different colors and designs, adding a whimsical touch to the scene.

Living Legacy

This section celebrates the ongoing cultural and economic contributions of Black braiders today.