felpudo

One may visit the zoo, and observe through a window, or enter the jungle and absorb the habitat. That seems like a fair comparison to how one may visit countries and cities. I like to absorb the habitat from within. An interest in the pursuit of gaining on perspective which neither includes nor excludes the need to understand.

While in Barcelona, I continuously noticed an odd piece on some entrance doors. I had not seen them in Madrid, and needed to ask, perhaps understand what it means, or its function. To my question, the man answered with “that is a felpudo”.

In its simplest reference, a felpudo is a doormat. More precisely, felpa refers to fabrics made with hairs, like furs. In Barcelona the idea of the doormat has been taken further, adding to the actual doormat, specifically when the entrance has marble floors. The soles of the shoes are to be cleaned using this felpudo made of metal, attached to the bottom of entrance doors.