Category Arts

Celebrate the creativity and craftsmanship of the Igbo people through images of sculptures, paintings, and other artistic expressions that reflect their rich cultural heritage.

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

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).
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 Girl Painted with Uli, 1930s

Young Igbo Woman Painted with Uli
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.