Fios da Ancestralidade

My Roots

Grounded in ancestral knowledge, my journey weaves through stories of migration and cultural resilience.

Inspired by lived experience and research.

Work Life

Researcher Role

University

2018 – 2022

Inspired by lived experience and research.

Community Work

Fios

2023 – Present

Supporting cultural preservation and economic empowerment.

Our Craft

Trancistas weaving history, culture, and resilience into every braid.

A woman with elaborate braids and voluminous natural hair stands in front of a lush green background. She wears a traditional garment with intricate embroidery featuring geometric patterns in black, yellow, and green. Her hand, adorned with henna, rests near her face, showcasing her jewelry, including a large earring and several necklaces.
The image contains several strips of cardboard with handwritten text attached to a red wooden surface. Tiny fairy lights are interwoven around these strips, giving a warm glow to the scene. The text on the cardboard includes phrases like 'give a damn' and 'unceded LENAPE territory.'
Thin strands of material, possibly hair or fibers, illuminated against a dark background create a vibrant contrast with occasional bright reflections. The overall composition gives a sense of intricate complexity and delicate structure.
A person with long braided hair wears glasses and a textured, white garment. They are smiling and appear to be interacting with large, vertically-aligned circular panels in shades of green and gray. The setting suggests a modern, artistic or design-focused environment.
The image depicts an office space with several computer monitors on desks. A red digital display on the wall reads 'Portal Correio'. The room has glass partitions and a modern, streamlined design. Overhead fluorescent lights provide illumination.

Roots Rise

An intricate tangle of hair is captured in motion, with strands flowing dynamically in various directions. The detail in the texture of the hair is highlighted against a dark background, creating a sense of movement and energy.

Territory Map

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

An open magazine displays a page with stylish typography in Portuguese and has a focus on fashion accessories such as sunglasses and jewelry. The sunglasses rest on top of the open page, with additional images showcasing intricate jewelry pieces.

Flow Lines

Animated lines show internal migrations, tracing journeys of braiders moving between cities and states.

A colorful map is spread out with a straw hat decorated with a yellow flower, a mug of coffee, glasses, a camera, and a hand pointing to a location. Dried flowers are arranged at the top of the map.

Family Tree

The Baobá tree symbolizes knowledge passed down through generations of braiders and their families.

The image features a section of a tree trunk with thick bark and intertwined roots, covered in a layer of moss or similar organic matter. The scene is dark and earthy, with textures of wood and foliage.

Flow Lines

Braiding as a vibrant, living heritage that weaves together culture, economy, and community strength.