Fios da Ancestralidade

Roots

Tracing the journeys and origins of black braiders’ knowledge.

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.
A person is using wooden tools to card fibers, suggesting a traditional textile process. The hands appear focused and engaged in the activity with strands of fibers visibly tangled between the tools. The background features blurred colors and shapes, with a hint of yellow yarn hanging.
A woman intently weaving a colorful tapestry on a loom. She is adorned in a patterned headscarf and traditional attire, concentrating on her craft amidst vibrant colors and fabric patterns.
A collage of black-and-white photographs connected by red strings is displayed on a textured white board. The photographs depict urban decay, such as abandoned buildings and derelict interiors. Red push pins secure the strings to the board, forming a complex network. Scattered around the photographs are pills and capsules, as well as drops of red paint suggesting blood. In the center, Cyrillic text is visible, although its exact meaning is not clear.

Roots Rise

A black and white image of an open book featuring a section header titled 'Quatro meses depois (Agosto de 2011)'. The book has multiple paper tabs inserted along the top edge, and it rests on a patterned surface that appears to be a fabric.

Territory Map

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

A piece of street art featuring a stylized portrait on a square canvas, mounted against a brick wall. The portrait comprises intricate patterns and text spiraling around the head, depicting a young person with voluminous hair. The surrounding environment includes a detailed red door and brick wall, with visible graffiti and urban elements.

Flow Lines

Animated lines trace internal migrations, showing how braiders move and connect communities across regions.

Abstract geometric shapes consisting of thick black lines and arrows intersecting on a white background. Lines are arranged parallel and in a branching pattern with some angles pointing in different directions. At the bottom, the letters 'ro ro ro ro' are handwritten.

Living Threads

This section highlights the daily practices and shared stories that weave cultural and economic value together.

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