Ceramic Alter for the Igbo Agriculture Deity Ifejioku. c 1890
Ceramic Alter for the Igbo yam/agriculture deity Ifejioku, Osisa in the Ndokwa Igbo area, c 1890. © The Trustees of the British Museum Ceramic group of figures on a stand, made of pottery. In the centre is a man holding a drinking-horn in his left hand and a fan in...
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Iro Ekpetu masquerader from Amuda village, Onitsha Province, 1932 and 1938
This 1932-1938 photograph showcases a "Mau" or ghost masquerade, known as Iro Ekpetu, from Amuda village in the Onitsha Province. The image captures the masquerader, seated and holding a stick, adorned in a fierce black mask with intricate carvings, white-painted eyes, and exaggerated facial features like a bulging mouth with...
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Young Igbo Girl Painted with Uli, 1930s
This black and white photograph shows a young girl adorned with traditional body art. The woman’s skin is painted with Uli patterns. She is wearing a headpiece with feathers and other decorative elements. Her back is turned towards the camera, showing the designs on her skin more prominently. The blurred...
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Nsude Pyramids Village Shrine, Abaja, Northern Igbo, 1930s
Nsude Pyramids village shrine, Abaja, Northern Igbo, 1930s. Photographed by G.I. Jones. Courtesy of Jones Archive, Southern Illinois University. Shared under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0) license. The Nsude pyramids are among Nigeria’s most fascinating historical treasures. Located in Abaja, near the villages of Ngwo and...
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An Igbo girl from Nibo, with ùlì designs on her skin, 1911
This photograph captures an Igbo girl from Nibo, now in Anambra State, adorned with ùlì body art. Taken by British anthropologist Northcote Thomas in 1911, it showcases the unique artistic expression of the Igbo people. Ùlì, a traditional form of body decoration, held aesthetic, cultural, and spiritual significance.
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Nri Obalike with his attendants and Chiefs, during the abrogation of nso and alu, 1911
This photograph was taken in 1911 by Northcote Thomas. It shows Nri Obalike, the Eze Nri (King of Nri), surrounded by his loyal attendants and chiefs at the Nkwọ Marketplace in Enugwu-Ukwu. Here, under the watchful eyes of British colonial officers, Nri Obalike was forced to denounce nso and alu.This...
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A Couple from Asaba, Nigeria, 1900
This photograph provides a look into life in Asaba around 1900. It captures a couple whose clothing reflects a blend of cultural influences. The man’s outfit shows signs of European fashion, while the woman’s attire incorporates traditional Igbo elements, illustrating the merging of local and colonial styles during that period.
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Portraits of an Igbo Woman in Oweri Province, 1909-1913
These 1909-1913 portraits of an Igbo woman from Oweri Province capture her beauty. The first, a front view, highlights her calm gaze, while the second, a side profile, reveals her intricate braids, earrings and headscarf, embodying Igbo dignity.
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An elder of Obomkpa, c. 1912-13
This photograph, captured by Northcote Thomas around 1912-13, presents an elder of Obomkpa, providing a unique glimpse into the heart of this community. The elder's expression and attire reflect the wisdom and traditions that define Obomkpa.
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Aro natives Cutting bush with matchets during the Anglo-Aro war, 1901.
This historical image from the British Museum depicts a scene from the Anglo-Aro War of 1901, also known as the Aro Punitive Expedition. It shows Arochukwu natives clearing bushland under British compulsion outside the town of Bende.
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Ogaranya Masquerade, Nimo, 1930s
Close-Up of Ogaranya Masquerade in Nimo. Photograph by Gwillim I. Jones, 1930s.Jones Archive Southern Illinois University. Shared under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0) license. This image captures an Igbo masquerade character known as Ogaranya (meaning 'Rich' or 'Wealthy'), taken in the 1930s in Nimo, southeastern Nigeria....
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A wood carver carving an Ikenga figure, Nri-Awka Igbo. 1930s
This photograph captures a wood carver from Nri-Awka Igbo at work. His hands skillfully shape the wood, transforming it into a powerful figure: an Ikenga. In Igbo culture, the Ikenga is more than just a sculpture. It's a symbol carved from wood, representing an individual's potential for achievement, success, and...
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An Elder of Agukwu Nri. c. 1911
This colorized photograph, originally captured by Northcote Thomas in approximately 1911, features an Elder of Agukwu Nri. The image is a crucial artifact for understanding traditional Igbo society and its hierarchical structure. It underscores the significance of titleholders and their roles in Igbo culture. The traditional attire visible in the...
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Group Portrait from the Royal Niger Company, Niger River Igbo area, c. 1886-1895
Group portrait taken by Dr. William Henry Crosse, Royal Niger Company, c. 1886-1895, Nigeria. Image source: MAA Cambridge. This historical group portrait, captured by Dr. William Henry Crosse between 1886 and 1895, shows individuals from the Niger River Igbo area in Nigeria. Taken during the period of the Royal Niger...
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A Wooden Ikoro Drum from Ohafia with a Female Figure Holding a Baby. 1930s
The Ikoro drum holds a special place in Igbo and Ibibio cultures. Known as "ikorok" in Ibibio, these large slit drums were used for communication over long distances. Their loud sound could summon people for war, festivals, or emergencies, making them central to community rituals.
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Comic Mask from Lughulu Masquerade, Item Tribe, Isu-Item Igbo, 1930s
This black and white photograph captures a carved wooden mask from the Lughulu Masquerade of the Item Tribe in Isu-Item. With large rectangular eyes and a protruding lower face, the handcrafted mask reflects the rich traditions of Igbo masquerades. Photographed by G.I. Jones in the 1930s and published in African...
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Heavy wood door from Nri Awka, 19th-20th century
Heavy wood door from Nri Awka, 19th-20th century This heavy wooden door, known as ḿgbó èzí in the Igbo language, is more than just an entrance. It's a statement piece, a symbol of status, and a testament to the artistic heritage of the Igbo people. These doors were traditionally used...
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Obi of Onitsha Samuel Okosi I, the first Christian Obi of Onitsha. 1899
Obi Onitsha Sam Okosi I, the first Christian Obi of Onitsha, poses with European-style ‘royal’ regalia. Image courtesy: Ukpuru on X The black and white photograph features Obi Samuel Okosi I, seated in an elevated and dignified pose, wearing a richly adorned robe and a crown reminiscent of European royal...
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Igbo ancestral figures in an obi, Ohafia, 1930s
"Igbo ancestral figures in an obi (central house), Ohafia, 1930s. Photo: G.I. Jones" This black and white photograph, taken by G.I. Jones in the 1930s, showcases five intricately carved wooden figures representing Igbo ancestral figures. These figures are placed within an obi, in Ohafia. The photograph is part of the...
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A Dibia with His Tools, 1921
This 1921 photograph from G.T. Basden’s “Among the Ibos of Nigeria” presents an Igbo dibia in action, surrounded by his tools. The dibia, a respected figure in Igbo society, is known for his extensive knowledge of herbal medicine and his role as a spiritual intermediary between the physical and spirit...
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Ekpe (Leopard Society) Meeting House, Umuajatta Village, Olokoro
View of an Ekpe meeting house in Umuajatta village, Olokoro, featuring a thick thatched roof, low walls with Ngwomo-style painted decorations, and a natural setting. Photographed by G.I. Jones, 1932-1938.
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Trader from Timbuctou and Rich Trading Woman, Onitsha. c. 1889
Trader from Timbuctou on the right and Rich Trading Woman on the left. Pitt Rivers Museum. Photographed by G. F. Packer, c. 1889 This photograph was taken by G. F. Packer in 1889 and is source from the Pitt Rivers Museum. It features a trader from Timbuktu and a rich...
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An Igbo shrine with its priest and it’s slave in Orsu, West Isuama Igbo. 1930s
This photograph, captured by G. I. Jones in the 1930s, showcases a central figure in Igbo belief systems – the Alusi shrine with its priest seated and it’s slave standing behind the figure. These sacred figures, traditionally crafted from wood, mud, or a combination of both, served as a powerful...
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An Igbo Elder from Awka, Wearing the Okpu Agha and Holding the Ekpeke, c. 1913
This photograph, taken in the early 1900s, transports you to Awka (present-day Anambra State, Nigeria). It portrays an Igbo elder, adorning his head with the okpu agha, the war helmet. In his hand, he grasps a sturdy ekpeke, a woven shield. These aren't mere decorations; they're a warrior's full regalia,...
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Entrance Portico of Chief Ogbua’s Iba, Onicha, 1961
Entrance Portico of Chief Ogbua’s Iba, Onicha, circa 1961 Image courtesy of Ukpuru on X. This black-and-white photograph features the entrance portico of Chief Ogbua's Igbo traditional house (iba). The visible wall carvings show geometric and symbolic designs, which were typical of Igbo architecture. The door leads into another section...
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A man and child from Igbariam, c. 1911
This photograph, taken around 1911 by Northcote Thomas, is a significant historical artifact that offers a look into the life of the Igbo people in Igbariam. It features a man and a child, captured in a moment that transcends time, providing insight into the familial bonds, and the social environment...
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The Earth Mother, Ala, in an Mbari house in Ebele. 1946
"The Earth Mother, Ala, in an Mbari house dedicated to her in Ebele, near Owerri." William Fagg, February 28, 1946. British Museum This sculpture, captured by William Fagg on February 28, 1946, and currently housed in the British Museum, depicts Ala, the Earth Mother, in Igbo spirituality. She holds a...
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Íhú Chí (1916) and the Duality of Chi and Eke
Íhú chí. This small, decorated pot is believed to hold the chi, the personal spirit, of someone who has given birth.1916, Ekpeye. (Image source: Pitt Rivers Museum, Creative Commons license) Chineke: A Duality, Not a Dichotomy The Relationship Between Chi and Eke In Igbo cosmology, Chineke transcends the simplistic notion...
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Arochukwu in Flames, 1901
This photograph from the British Museum captures a devastating moment in Igbo history: the burning of Arochukwu, the capital of the Aro Confederacy, in 1901. The image shows mud huts engulfed in flames, a stark reminder of the violence that erupted during the Aro Punitive Expedition.
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Igbo man tying yams in a yam barn, 1880-1939
This photograph, taken between 1880 and 1939, depicts an Igbo man tying yams onto a large frame made of poles inside a traditional yam barn. He wears a loin-cloth and sits on a carved stool. The image offers a rare glimpse into the traditional methods of yam preservation in Igboland,...
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Group portrait of titled Igbo men, 1900s
The photograph shows a group of titled men, possibly members of the prestigious Nze na Ozo society. The image highlights their traditional attire, which includes symbolic robes, headgear, and the iconic red caps known as okpu mme. The presence of ceremonial staffs and ivory bracelets signifies their high status.
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An Igbo elder from Awka with wooden head dress, set with pearl buttons, c. 1910-11
Over a century ago, British anthropologist Northcote Whitridge Thomas captured this iconic image—an Igbo elder from Awka adorned in a wooden head dress, set with pearl buttons, and seated on an oche mpata. This photograph provides a unique glimpse into the cultural and social heritage of the Igbo people, particularly...
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Nri-Awka white female face mask with itchi scarring, 1937
Nri-Awka white female face mask with itchi scarring, 1937. Pitt Rivers Museum. University of Oxford This captivating white mask, crafted in the Nri-Awka region of Igbo land, features large, round eye openings, a prominent nose, and a closed mouth. The forehead is adorned with a zigzag pattern resembling a stylized...
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Chief Obudugbo. “Ezeana of Neni”. c. 1910-11
Chief Obudugbo. "Ezeana of Neni". Photographed by Northcote Thomas, c. 1910-11. MAA Cambridge.Image Credit: Ukpuru on X The black and white photograph depicts Chief Obudugbo, also known as Ezeana of Neni, seated in a dignified pose. His attire includes a traditional patterned garment and a prominent beaded necklace, signifying his...
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A young Igbo bride in wedding attire, c. 1880-1905
A photograph from around 1880 to 1905 by Nigerian Photographer J.A. Green. The image depicts a young Igbo woman, adorned in traditional wedding attire. She wears a patterned textile dress, elaborate beaded jewelry, and a unique hairstyle. A patterned textile serves as the backdrop.
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Igbo woman with elaborate geometric hairstyle, c 1910.
A black and white photograph of an Igbo woman, circa 1910. She has her hair styled in an elaborate pattern with geometric designs. She is wearing a beaded necklace and a cloth wrapped around her chest. The photograph was taken by Northcote Whitridge Thomas.
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Young Igbo Man with Traditional plaited Hairstyle and Neck Beads, circa 1880-1939
This black-and-white photograph showcases a profile view of a young Igbo man with a domed, plaited hairstyle adorned with beads. His neck is decorated with a traditional bead necklace, reflecting the cultural emphasis on personal adornment in Igbo society. The image, a gelatin silver print taken between 1880 and 1939,...
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Ceramic Alter for the Igbo Agriculture... 
Iro Ekpetu masquerader from Amuda village,... 
Young Igbo Girl Painted with Uli,... 
Nsude Pyramids Village Shrine, Abaja, Northern... 
An Igbo girl from Nibo, with... 
Nri Obalike with his attendants and... 
A Couple from Asaba, Nigeria, 1900 
Portraits of an Igbo Woman in... 
An elder of Obomkpa, c. 1912-13 
Aro natives Cutting bush with matchets... 
Ogaranya Masquerade, Nimo, 1930s 
A wood carver carving an Ikenga... 
An Elder of Agukwu Nri. c.... 
Group Portrait from the Royal Niger... 
A Wooden Ikoro Drum from Ohafia... 
Comic Mask from Lughulu Masquerade, Item... 
Heavy wood door from Nri Awka,... 
Obi of Onitsha Samuel Okosi I,... 
Igbo ancestral figures in an obi,... 
A Dibia with His Tools, 1921 
Ekpe (Leopard Society) Meeting House, Umuajatta... 
Trader from Timbuctou and Rich Trading... 
An Igbo shrine with its priest... 
An Igbo Elder from Awka, Wearing... 
Entrance Portico of Chief Ogbua’s Iba,... 
A man and child from Igbariam,... 
The Earth Mother, Ala, in an... 
Íhú Chí (1916) and the Duality... 
Arochukwu in Flames, 1901 
Igbo man tying yams in a... 
Group portrait of titled Igbo men,... 
An Igbo elder from Awka with... 
Nri-Awka white female face mask with... 
Chief Obudugbo. “Ezeana of Neni”. c.... 
A young Igbo bride in wedding... 
Igbo woman with elaborate geometric hairstyle,... 
Young Igbo Man with Traditional plaited... 
