Month September 2024

Igbo Archives • Archives for September 2024

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.

The Significance of Minimal Clothing in Igbo History

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

Young Igbo Man with Traditional plaited Hairstyle and Neck Beads, circa 1880-1939

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