Onyeka Nwokike

Onyeka Nwokike

  • Joined: 4 September 2024
  • Articles: 173
Igbo Archives • Archives for Onyeka Nwokike
Young Igbo Girl Painted with Uli, 1930s

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.
Read MoreYoung Igbo Girl Painted with Uli, 1930s
The Significance of Minimal Clothing in Igbo History

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.
Read MoreThe Significance of Minimal Clothing in Igbo History
Entrance Portico of Chief Ogbua’s Iba, Onicha, 1961

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…

Read MoreEntrance Portico of Chief Ogbua’s Iba, Onicha, 1961
Young Igbo Man with Traditional plaited Hairstyle and Neck Beads, circa 1880-1939

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.
Read MoreYoung Igbo Man with Traditional plaited Hairstyle and Neck Beads, circa 1880-1939
Iro Ekpetu masquerader from Amuda village, Onitsha Province, 1932 and 1938

Iro Ekpetu masquerader from Amuda village, Onitsha Province, 1932 and 1938

This 1932-1938 photograph showcases a "Mau" or ghost masquerade, known as Iro Ekpetu, from Amuda village in the Onitsha Province. The image captures the masquerader, seated and holding a stick, adorned in a fierce black mask with intricate carvings, white-painted eyes, and exaggerated facial features like a bulging mouth with protruding teeth. The mask is topped with a raffia hairpiece, adding to its menacing appearance. The background reveals a traditional Igbo setting, with mud huts and lush vegetation, grounding the cultural significance of this Igbo masquerade tradition.
Read MoreIro Ekpetu masquerader from Amuda village, Onitsha Province, 1932 and 1938
Key Figures in Igbo Spiritual and Social Order: Nze, Ozo, Eze, and Ichie

Key Figures in Igbo Spiritual and Social Order: Nze, Ozo, Eze, and Ichie

The Ozo society stands at the heart of Igbo culture, symbolizing the highest levels of spiritual and social order. This article examines the roles of Nze, Ozo, Eze, and Ichie, emphasizing their crucial contributions to the spiritual and social cohesion of Igbo communities. Additionally, it explores the impact of European…

Read MoreKey Figures in Igbo Spiritual and Social Order: Nze, Ozo, Eze, and Ichie