The ancient system of doors having two opposing pegs swivelling within two corresponding holes in the top and bottom cross members of the door frame are used by several West African tribes, such as the Ibo in Nigeria and the Dogon in Mali. Further examples can also be found in Morocco and in the North African coast, right through to the Arabian Gulf. The Tongas, however, are the only people in Southern, Central and East Africa to make this type of door. It is thought they could have been shown this system by Arab traders who travelled up the Zambezi centuries ago.
Each Tonga family made their own door, resulting in great variations of design, but the majority have geometric patterns - mostly chevrons in a variety of shapes and configurations. In addition, most doors originally had a coat of paint applied to its surface. These crude pastes were made from a variety of crushed stones, mostly in earth colours plus black and white. Being water-based, most of these original colours washed off over time.
Most of the doors in our collection at Africa and Beyond are between 60 and 100 years old. Some certainly a bit older and some perhaps slightly newer. The design almost always is on one side (the outside), and no two doors are ever alike.
Custom-built metal stand included. Door dimensions: 60" height x 21 1/4" width x 2" depth
Stand dimensions: 20" x 10" x ¾"
Door height including stand dimensions: 60 3/4"
This is a heavy door, weighing 55 lbs. We have it mounted on a metal base, but also have it so that it can be hung on the wall.