Project Tanzania 1985-2000:
The Zanzibar Doors Dedication Ceremony
In 1997, Project Tanzania commissioned a Zanzibar carved wooden door that would serve as a reminder of this successful undertaking. As of the spring of 1997, there were only two known Zanzibar doors in the United States; one at the Smithsonian in Washington, DC and another in the private home of an Africa archeologist in Florida. Thus, the commissioning of this door represents a unique contribution to the cultural and artistic understanding by the people of North Carolina.
On Thursday, February 24, 2000, this magnificent door was dedicated during a spectacular ceremony held in Exploris, where the doors will remain. The Ceremony included an introduction of board members and special guests, a prayer of dedication, and an african dedication dance performed by the Chuck Davis African American Dance Ensemble from Durham, NC.
Click on the photos for a larger view.
Paul Pope, Project Tanzania Board, introduces the other members. |
Ann Bryan, President of Exploris, thanks the members for their contribution. |
Gordon Smith, Chair of the Board of Directors of Exploris, greeted the audience to the museum and the ceremony. |
Joan Baron, Project Tanazania Board, introduces the next speaker. |
Ted Lord, project consultant, gives a quick history of the doors. |
Jim Goodmon, Project Tanzania Board, talks a little about the project. |
Deacon Leo Tapler gives a prayer of dedication. |
Susannah Smoot, Public Relations Assitant for Exploris shows the insides of the doors that have inscriptions written in the Arabic script Swahili. |
Paul Pope, Joan Baron, and Jim Goodmon, Project Tanazania Board Members, pose in front of the doors. |
The audience waits patiently for the Chuck Davis Dancers to begin their dedication dance. |
The members of the Chuck Davis Dance Ensemble stop for a quick photo with Paul Pope and Joan Baron, Project Tanazania board members. |
