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, Nigeria.
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.
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 worlds.
