Month September 2024

Igbo Archives • Archives for September 2024

Onyeka Nwokike
28 September 2024
Arts
1 mins

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 figures in the background suggest that this photo was taken at a public event or gathering. This image showcases the Igbo traditional art form of Uli. This art form holds significance in terms of identity and aesthetics within this community.

Uli: The Art of Igbo Body Decoration

Uli, or Uri as it is known in some Igbo dialects, signifies one of the most ancient and visually captivating art forms in Igbo culture. Predominantly practiced by Igbo women, Uli designs were created using plant-based pigments. They were applied to the body and the walls of houses as symbols of identity,…

Onyeka Nwokike
20 September 2024
Masks, Masquerades
1 mins

Ogaranya Masquerade, Nimo, 1930s

This image captures an Igbo masquerade character known as Ogaranya (meaning ‘Rich’ or ‘Wealthy’), taken in the 1930s in Nimo, southeastern Nigeria. The masquerader is seated on a wooden chair, draped in richly patterned, flowing fabric. Its mask features bold geometric designs with angular lines emphasized by black and white…

The Significance of Minimal Clothing in Igbo History

Traditional Igbo clothing has often been misunderstood, particularly in the context of what some might call "nudity." Historical photographs of the Igbo people have frequently been misinterpreted as symbols of backwardness or immodesty by outsiders. However, these depictions reflect a rich cultural history deeply rooted in environmental, social, and spiritual factors.

Onyeka Nwokike
9 September 2024
Architecture
2 mins

Entrance Portico of Chief Ogbua’s Iba, Onicha, 1961

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 of the house, suggesting this structure is part of a larger residential complex. The photograph…

Onyeka Nwokike
6 September 2024
Fashion
3 mins

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, captures both the artistic and cultural significance of these features.