Category Portraits

View captivating portraits of Igbo individuals and groups, capturing the essence of Igbo life from everyday scenes to significant cultural moments.

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Onyeka Nwokike
24 August 2024
Portraits
2 mins

Portraits of an Igbo Woman in Oweri Province, 1909-1913

These 1909-1913 portraits of an Igbo woman from Oweri Province capture her beauty. The first, a front view, highlights her calm gaze, while the second, a side profile, reveals her intricate braids, earrings and headscarf, embodying Igbo dignity.

Onyeka Nwokike
12 July 2024
Fashion, Portraits
0 mins

Igbo woman with elaborate geometric hairstyle, c 1910.

A black and white photograph of an Igbo woman, circa 1910. She has her hair styled in an elaborate pattern with geometric designs. She is wearing a beaded necklace and a cloth wrapped around her chest. The photograph was taken by Northcote Whitridge Thomas.

Onyeka Nwokike
9 June 2024
Portraits
1 mins

Group portrait of titled Igbo men, 1900s

The photograph shows a group of titled men, possibly members of the prestigious Nze na Ozo society. The image highlights their traditional attire, which includes symbolic robes, headgear, and the iconic red caps known as okpu mme. The presence of ceremonial staffs and ivory bracelets signifies their high status.

Onyeka Nwokike
27 May 2024
Portraits
4 mins

Group Portrait from the Royal Niger Company, Niger River Igbo area, c. 1886-1895

This historical group portrait, captured by Dr. William Henry Crosse between 1886 and 1895, shows individuals from the Niger River Igbo area in Nigeria. Taken during the period of the Royal Niger Company’s operations, this image is part of the Crosse Collection at the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Cambridge.…

A young Igbo bride in wedding attire, c. 1880-1905

A photograph from around 1880 to 1905 by Nigerian Photographer J.A. Green. The image depicts a young Igbo woman, adorned in traditional wedding attire. She wears a patterned textile dress, elaborate beaded jewelry, and a unique hairstyle. A patterned textile serves as the backdrop.

Onyeka Nwokike
1 April 2024
Portraits
1 mins

An Elder of Agukwu Nri. c. 1911

This colorized photograph, originally captured by Northcote Thomas in approximately 1911, features an Elder of Agukwu Nri. The image is a crucial artifact for understanding traditional Igbo society and its hierarchical structure. It underscores the significance of titleholders and their roles in Igbo culture. The traditional attire visible in the photograph offers insights into social standing and community significance.

Onyeka Nwokike
29 March 2024
Portraits
1 mins

Obi of Onitsha Samuel Okosi I, the first Christian Obi of Onitsha. 1899

The image features Obi John Samuel Okolo Okosi I, the first Christian Obi of Onitsha, seated in a dignified manner. He is dressed in European-style royal attire, including an ornate crown and a richly adorned robe, signifying his high status. The backdrop includes two emblems with crowns, enhancing the regal…

Onyeka Nwokike
28 March 2024
Portraits
1 mins

Chief Obudugbo. “Ezeana of Neni”. c. 1910-11

The image is a black and white photograph of Chief Obudugbo, also known as Ezeana of Neni, taken by Northcote Thomas around 1910-11. Chief Obudugbo is dressed in traditional attire, including a necklace with large beads and a patterned garment, reflecting his high status within the Igbo community. Chief Obudugbo…

Onyeka Nwokike
27 March 2024
Portraits
2 mins

A man and child from Igbariam, c. 1911

This photograph, taken around 1911 by Northcote Thomas, is a significant historical artifact that offers a look into the life of the Igbo people in Igbariam. It features a man and a child, captured in a moment that transcends time, providing insight into the familial bonds, and the social environment of the era.

Onyeka Nwokike
18 March 2024
Fashion, Portraits
1 mins

An Igbo elder from Awka with wooden head dress, set with pearl buttons, c. 1910-11

Over a century ago, British anthropologist Northcote Whitridge Thomas captured this iconic image—an Igbo elder from Awka adorned in a wooden head dress, set with pearl buttons, and seated on an oche mpata. This photograph provides a unique glimpse into the cultural and social heritage of the Igbo people, particularly focusing on the esteemed position of women in Igbo society.