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Igbo Elder from Awka on Oche Mpata

Image Fashion 2 Items
An Igbo elder from Awka. Northcote Thomas, c. 1910-11
Close view of an Igbo elder from Öka (Awka) wearing a wooden head dress set with pearl buttons, known as 'isi ojongo
Full view of the elder on the traditional stool
The same Igbo elder seated on an “oche mpata,” wearing a patterned sarong and white leg bands known as “mgba ụkwụ,” which signify purity and high status.

These black-and-white photographs, taken by Northcote Thomas between 1910 and 1911 as part of his anthropological survey, feature an Igbo elder from Öka (Awka). The first shows a close view of her face and head, adorned with a wooden head dress set with pearl buttons, known as “isi ojongo,” embodying Igbo identity and artistic expression. The second depicts the elder seated on an “oche mpata,” a stool reserved for titled individuals with the Ọzọ title, wearing a patterned sarong and white leg bands called “mgba ụkwụ,” signifying purity and high status. The Ọzọ title denotes success, honesty, and integrity, with women holders serving as respected leaders in social and cultural matters.

Community Notes

Onyeka Nwokike

Mar 20, 2026

In the early 20th century, Igbo women shaped their hair into crested styles like Isi Ojongo using clay, palm oil, and charcoal. Because the hardened hair looked solid, colonial observers often mistook it for a carved wooden headdress. Women added items like imported pearl buttons to show their family's wealth.

Pre-colonial Nigerian cultures: Hairdressing as a work of art (Pulse.ng)

Onyeka Nwokike

Mar 20, 2026

Mgba Ụkwụ are heavy brass leg bands. In the past, wearing them showed that a woman's household had enough wealth that she was exempt from manual farm labor. White leg bands are also tied to spiritual purity and high social standing in Igbo culture.

Pair of Large Igbo Brass Anklets (Michael Backman)

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