Look at this image of a door carved in Zanzibar, Tanzania, on the coast of East Africa. Use this photo as evidence to explain in 3–5 sentences how cultural diffusion through trade in the Indian Ocean trade network affected art in East Africa. (4 points)

Answer 1

The intricately carved door from Zanzibar exemplifies how cultural diffusion through the Indian Ocean trade network influenced East African art. This door showcases a blend of architectural styles and motifs, reflecting the interactions between local African artisans and traders from regions such as the Middle East, India, and Persia. The incorporation of intricate patterns and embellishments indicates the exchange of artistic techniques and aesthetic values that occurred through trade. As a result, the door not only serves as a functional object but also as a testament to the rich cultural synthesis that defined the coastal towns of East Africa, making them focal points of artistic innovation and cross-cultural exchange.