MEANING: The inscription is a riddle. The answer is a password that causes the Doors to swing open. Coop’s carving of Speak Friend and Enter, lets you bring a piece of Middle-Earth home.

In the land of J.R.R. Tolkien’s myths, the Doors of Durin, also known as the West-gate or West-door of Moria, formed the western entrance to the Dwarven city of Khazad-dum. The inscription on the archivolt read:

"Ennyn Durin Aran Moria. Pedo Mellon a Minno. Im Narvi hain echant. Celebrimbor o Eregion teithant. I thiw hin."

"The Doors of Durin, Lord of Moria. Speak, friend, and enter. I, Narvi, made them. Celebrimbor of Hollin drew these signs."

These doors were created in the days before Sauron’s dominion in Middle-earth. This was a rare and special time of great friendship between the Elven and Dwarven kingdoms. The Doors stood open during this peaceful time, welcoming unfettered trade between nations.

THE CARVING:
My Carvings are single pieces of western red cedar, designed and carved to be wall hangings. Each piece is finished with a blend of clear oils that brings out the natural color of the wood. For more information on the process of creation, please see my profile.

SIZE:
The last picture has the piece on a quilting board, lined up on the 1 inch marks. So subtract 1 inch from the height and width for the stock size. Measurements may vary slightly from piece to piece.