This black-and-white photograph, taken by the British anthropologist Northcote Whitridge Thomas, presents a frontal view of an Igbo woman from the Oweri Province—now known as Owerri in South East Nigeria. Captured between 1909 and 1913, the image is part of Thomas’s broader effort to document the people of Nigeria under British colonial rule. The woman’s direct gaze and the gap between her front teeth—a cultural marker often associated with beauty—are immediately striking. She wears a simple headscarf, and her expression exudes calmness, with the plain background drawing attention to her facial features. This photograph is not merely a portrait; it is a historical artifact that speaks volumes about the cultural and aesthetic values of the Igbo people at the time.
The side-profile view of the same Igbo woman, captured by Northcote Whitridge Thomas during his ethnographic expeditions between 1909 and 1913, offers a different yet equally powerful perspective. The woman’s headscarf is carefully tied, revealing the neat lines of her hair beneath it—a style characteristic of Igbo women at the time. A small earring hangs from her ear, adding a touch of personal adornment that contrasts with the simplicity of her attire. Her serene expression and the well-defined contours of her face are highlighted in this profile shot, which, like the frontal view, serves as an important visual record of Igbo culture in the early 20th century.
These photographs are part of the Northcote Thomas Collection, an extensive archive created during his anthropological missions in Nigeria. While these images provide invaluable insights into the cultural and physical attributes of the Igbo people, they also reflect the complex legacy of Thomas’s work. His documentation was conducted within the framework of British colonialism, raising questions about the motivations behind such ethnographic studies and the power dynamics at play. Today, these images are not only cultural treasures but also important tools for examining the impact of colonialism on African societies.
How do you view the role of photography in colonial ethnography? Do you think such images help or hinder our understanding of Igbo culture and history?
Further Exploration:
For a deeper exploration of Northcote Thomas’s work and its implications, read our post below on “Northcote Thomas: A Complex Legacy for Igbo Anthropology.”
Northcote Whitridge Thomas, an anthropologist appointed by the British government, embarked on a series of ethnographic expeditions in Nigeria from 1909 to 1915. His work, particularly among the Igbo people, left a lasting impact on the study of African cultures. However, his legacy is intertwined with both significant contributions and considerable controversies. Northcote Thomas’s Contributions […]
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