Igbo Archives • Page 2 of 3 • Preserving the Past, Inspiring the Future

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
12 July 2024

Daily Life

Igbo man tying yams in a yam barn, 1880-1939

This photograph, taken between 1880 and 1939, depicts an Igbo man tying yams onto a large frame made of poles inside a traditional yam barn. He wears a loin-cloth and sits on a carved stool. The image offers a rare glimpse into the traditional methods of yam preservation in Igboland, Nigeria.

Onyeka Nwokike
12 June 2024

Portraits

Group portrait of titled Igbo men, 1900s

Group portrait of Igbo men with ceremonial attire, 1900-1915.

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
9 June 2024

Dibia

A Dibia with His Tools, 1921

This 1921 photograph from G.T. Basden’s “Among the Ibos of Nigeria” presents an Igbo dibia in action, surrounded by his tools. The dibia, a respected figure in Igbo society, is known for his extensive knowledge of herbal medicine and his role as a spiritual intermediary between the physical and spirit worlds.

Onyeka Nwokike
7 June 2024

Artifacts

A Wooden Ikoro Drum from Ohafia with a Female Figure Holding a Baby. 1930s

One end of an Ikoro (large slit drum) depicting a seated woman figure holding a baby in her lap. Photograph by Gwilliam Iwan Jones, 1932-1939, Ohafia, Nigeria. Image source: Jones Collection.

The Ikoro drum holds a special place in Igbo and Ibibio cultures. Known as "ikorok" in Ibibio, these large slit drums were used for communication over long distances. Their loud sound could summon people for war, festivals, or emergencies, making them central to community rituals.

Onyeka Nwokike
31 May 2024

Portraits

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

Group portrait taken by Dr. William Henry Crosse, Royal Niger Company, c. 1886-1895, Nigeria. Image source: MAA Cambridge.

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…

Onyeka Nwokike
27 May 2024

Fashion, Portraits

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

A black and white photographic print from c. 1880 by J.A. Green. The image depicts a young adult female seated in a chair, adorned in Igbo wedding attire. She wears a patterned textile dress, elaborate beaded jewelry, and a unique hairstyle. A patterned textile serves as the backdrop. (British Museum, Af,A50.3)

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.

Arts, Daily Life

A wood carver carving an Ikenga figure, Nri-Awka Igbo. 1930s

A wood carver carving an Ikenga figure, Nri-Awka Igbo. c. 1930

This photograph captures a wood carver from Nri-Awka Igbo at work. His hands skillfully shape the wood, transforming it into a powerful figure: an Ikenga. In Igbo culture, the Ikenga is more than just a sculpture. It's a symbol carved from wood, representing an individual's potential for achievement, success, and even their destiny.

Onyeka Nwokike
20 May 2024

Architecture, Arts

Heavy wood door from Nri Awka, 19th-20th century

This heavy wooden door, known as ḿgbó èzí in the Igbo language, is more than just an entrance. It’s a statement piece, a symbol of status, and a testament to the artistic heritage of the Igbo people. These doors were…

Onyeka Nwokike
16 May 2024

Artifacts

Ceramic Alter for the Igbo Agriculture Deity Ifejioku. c 1890

Ceramic Alter for the Igbo yam/agriculture deity Ifejioku from Osisa in the Ndokwa Igbo area, 1890s

Ceramic group of figures on a stand, made of pottery. In the centre is a man holding a drinking-horn in his left hand and a fan in his right, both signs of his status. Either side of him are two…

Onyeka Nwokike
12 May 2024

Alusi/Arushi

The Earth Mother, Ala, in an Mbari house in Ebele. 1946

The Earth Mother, Ala, in an Mbari house dedicated to her in Ebele, near Owerri.

This sculpture, captured by William Fagg on February 28, 1946, and currently housed in the British Museum, depicts Ala, the Earth Mother, in Igbo spirituality. She holds a knife in her right hand and rests her left hand on the…

Onyeka Nwokike
6 May 2024

Architecture

Nsude Pyramids Village Shrine, Abaja, Northern Igbo, 1930s

The Nsude pyramids are among Nigeria’s most fascinating historical treasures. Located in Abaja, near the villages of Ngwo and Agbaja Ọwa, these unique structures showcase the ingenuity and cultural depth of the Igbo people. Built entirely from sun-baked clay, the…

Onyeka Nwokike
30 April 2024

Artifacts

Íhú Chí (1916) and the Duality of Chi and Eke

Íhú chí. This small, decorated pot is believed to hold the chi, the personal spirit, of someone who has given birth.1916, Ekpeye. Pitt Rivers Museum

Chineke: A Duality, Not a Dichotomy The Relationship Between Chi and Eke In Igbo cosmology, Chineke transcends the simplistic notion of a single God. Instead, it embodies the union of two fundamental forces: According to Igbo oral traditions, Chineke is…

Onyeka Nwokike
27 April 2024

Historical Events

Arochukwu in Flames, 1901

Burning of Arochukwu during the Anglo-Aro War (1901-1902). Donald A MacAlister.

This photograph from the British Museum captures a devastating moment in Igbo history: the burning of Arochukwu, the capital of the Aro Confederacy, in 1901. The image shows mud huts engulfed in flames, a stark reminder of the violence that erupted during the Aro Punitive Expedition.

Onyeka Nwokike
24 April 2024

Artifacts

Igbo ancestral figures in an obi, Ohafia, 1930s

"Igbo ancestral figures in an obi (central house), Ohafia, 1930s. Photo: G.I. Jones"

This black and white photograph, taken by G.I. Jones in the 1930s, showcases five intricately carved wooden figures representing Igbo ancestral figures. These figures are placed within an obi, in Ohafia. The photograph is part of the Jones Archive at…

Onyeka Nwokike
21 April 2024

Architectural Insights

Igbo War Towers: Ingenuity in the Face of Adversity

Photo by Zbigniew Dmochowski, Awka Nibo Nise. Image courtesy Ukpuru on X

The war towers, such as this one in Awka Nibo Nise, were defensive structures constructed during the Atlantic slave trade. Built within walled family compounds, they served as lookout points, safe houses, and symbols of resilience. The war towers of…

Onyeka Nwokike
18 April 2024

Daily Life

Trader from Timbuctou and Rich Trading Woman, Onitsha. c. 1889

This photograph was taken by G. F. Packer in 1889 and is source from the Pitt Rivers Museum. It features a trader from Timbuktu and a rich trading woman, who who might be a member of the Onitsha women’s Otu…

Onyeka Nwokike
14 April 2024

Portraits

An Elder of Agukwu Nri. c. 1911

An Elder of Agukwu Nri, Present-day Anambra State, photographed by Northcote Thomas, c. 1911 and colourized from black and white by Ukpuru.

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
1 April 2024

Portraits

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

The black and white photograph features Obi Samuel Okosi I, seated in an elevated and dignified pose, wearing a richly adorned robe and a crown reminiscent of European royal aesthetics. The backdrop includes two symbolic emblems with crowns, further emphasizing…

Onyeka Nwokike
29 March 2024

Portraits

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

Chief Obudugbo. "Ezeana of Neni". Photographed by Northcote Thomas, c. 1910-11. MAA Cambridge. Image Credit: Ukpuru on X

The black and white photograph depicts Chief Obudugbo, also known as Ezeana of Neni, seated in a dignified pose. His attire includes a traditional patterned garment and a prominent beaded necklace, signifying his role as a guardian of Ani, the…

Onyeka Nwokike
28 March 2024