Onyeka Nwokike

Onyeka Nwokike

Igbo ArchivesArchives for Onyeka Nwokike
Comic mask from the Lughulu Masquerade in the Isu-Item Igbo community (Item Tribe), photographed by G.I. Jones in the 1930s. Published in African Arts (Vol. 6, No. 4, Summer 1973).

Comic Mask from Lughulu Masquerade, Item Tribe, Isu-Item Igbo, 1930s

This black and white photograph captures a carved wooden mask from the Lughulu Masquerade of the Item Tribe in Isu-Item. With large rectangular eyes and a protruding lower face, the handcrafted mask reflects the rich traditions of Igbo masquerades. Photographed by G.I. Jones in the 1930s and published in African Arts, this image is a valuable cultural record.
Young Igbo Woman Painted with Uli

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.
Close-Up of Ogaranya Masquerade in Nimo. Photograph by Gwillim I. Jones, 1930s.

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…

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.

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.