Haiti was the first free black nation in the world. Slave revolts that began in 1791 resulted in a declaration of independence on January 1, 1804. Rich cultural influences that contribute to the uniqueness of Haiti include the melding of French Colonialists, the indigenous Tainos Indians and West African slaves.

The artistic expression of Haiti is a result of these cultural influences, blending of African religions (Vodou) and Catholicism, the environment, severe poverty and Haiti's close proximity to the United States.

Among the various works we have collected in Haiti, you will find many examples of "Drapeau Vodou," also known as Vodou flags. These flags consist of densely sequined and beaded fabric panels representing various manifestations of Haitian "Loa" or Vodou "Gods". Bold in color and rich in symbolism, you will find works by Myrlande Constant, Yve Telemac, Maxon & George Valris among other artists. We also offer sequined spirit dolls and bottles as well as amulet packets used in Vodou ceremonies.

Steel drum art is made from recycled oil drums and car body panels. This art form emerged mid-twentieth century and was fed by resources (trash) left behind by occupying forces. It is a labor-intensive venture that involves heating, flattening, cutting and hammering the raw metal into beautiful images representing scenes from nature, Haitian life and religious iconography.

Among our Haitian collection you will find carved wood figures, fabric dolls and various paintings in traditional Haitian styles.

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Mexican folk art exhibits some of the most powerful examples of human expression and magical realism known. Our collection is seemingly endless, consisting of over 3,000 pieces. Among the works represented you will discover everything from simple, colorful whimsy to our extensive collection representing the Mexican holiday,
Day of the Dead.

Colorful carved wooden masks from the state of Guerero grace our walls. Large papier-mache skeletal figures by the Linares family of Mexico City greet you as you enter The Gold Door. Brightly painted and carved wooden animals from Oaxaca, known as alebrije come in all shapes and sizes. Ceramics from the Aguilar family include their famous "ladies of the night", devils, skeletal and Frida images.

Ever popular is our collection of images of Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, famous for her self-portraits, activism and tumultuous but passionate marriage to painter Diego Rivera. You will find a myriad of images of her work on decorated boxes and alters, shrines, purses and jewelry.

The masked Mexican wrestling known as Lucha Libre is a fun yet very serious contemporary folk tradition. Filling arenas twice a week in Mexico City, the champ and newcomers battle it out while performing gravity defying flips and jumps to win a place in the hearts of thousands of fans. We have a large collection of authentic masks, dolls, key rings, wrestling rinks and photos of many Luchadors, all collected at the arenas in Mexico City.

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Brazil is a mosaic of cultures with indigenous Indian, European and African influences. It is the fifth largest nation in the world with a population of 170,000,000 that speaks Brazilian Portuguese.

The scope of Brazilian folk art is vast and varied. From Amazonia The Gold Door features a wide range of decorative jewelry and accessories made of polished coconut and various tropical seeds as well as a selection of eco-sensitive art including beautiful feathered items.

Handmade musical instruments made of native materials are available. These include the Berimbau, an instrument played during the Brazilian Martial Arts style dance, Capoeira. We also carry rattles, drums and the cuica, a friction drum.

Carved wooden bowls, implements of wood and coconut palm, textiles, fiber masks and tooled leather objects are just some of the items we offer.

We have a selection of contemporary paintings depicting scenes from daily life, Carnaval and Samba. Decorative objects and costume remnants of Brazilian Carnaval are among some of the colorful items from Brazil you'll find at The Gold Door.

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