Igbo Archives • Preserving the Past, Inspiring the Future

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.

Igbo Lady Decorating House Walls with Uli

Uli: The Art of Igbo Body Decoration

Uli, or Uri as it is known in some Igbo dialects, signifies one of the most ancient and visually captivating art forms in Igbo culture. Predominantly practiced by Igbo women, Uli designs were created using plant-based pigments. They were applied to the body and the walls of houses as symbols of identity,…

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

Onyeka Nwokike
20 September 2024
Masks, Masquerades

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 geometric designs with angular lines emphasized by black and white…

Igbo Women in Traditional Attire, circa early 20th century** Source: Basden, G. T. *Among the Ibos of Nigeria*. Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott, 1921, pg. 96.

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.

Entrance Portico of Chief Ogbua’s Iba, Onicha, circa 1961

Onyeka Nwokike
9 September 2024
Architecture

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…

Onyeka Nwokike
6 September 2024
Fashion

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.

Onyeka Nwokike
26 August 2024
Masks

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.

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

Onyeka Nwokike
24 August 2024
Portraits

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.

A bright red Igbo cap (Okpu Mme) with intricate beadwork and feathers, symbolizing spiritual and cultural authority, displayed on a wooden shelf beside a black and white patterned cap.

The Symbolism of the Red Cap in Igbo Culture

The red cap, known as okpu mme, holds profound symbolic significance among the Igbo people. This cap transcends mere traditional attire to symbolize spiritual and cultural authority. Deeply embedded in the customs of the Nze na Ozo society, this prestigious institution represents status, leadership, and spiritual authority within the Igbo…

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

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…

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

The Architecture of Yam Barns: Preserving Igbo Agrarian Heritage

Yam barns, known as “Oba” in Igbo, serve as more than just storage facilities. They stand as architectural marvels that showcase the ingenuity and cultural heritage of the Igbo people. This post delves into the construction techniques, cultural significance, and preservation efforts of these traditional structures. Construction of Yam Barns…

Traditional Igbo yam barn with yams stacked for drying, 1880-1939. Photographed by J Stöcker.

The Cultural Significance of Yams in Igbo Society

Yams, often called the “king of crops,” play a pivotal role in Igbo culture. They serve as more than just a dietary staple; they deeply interweave into the social, economic, and spiritual fabric of the Igbo people. This article explores the historical and cultural importance of yams, their role in…

Colonial Encounters: British Officers and Igbo Leaders in a Strategic Meeting, Reflecting the Divide-and-Rule Tactics Employed During Colonial Rule. (Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Agnatic Kinship and Leadership in Igbo Societies

Igbo societies are intricately structured around agnatic kinship, where lineage and descent play a crucial role. At the heart of this system is the Okpara Ukwu, the first son of a family. The Okpara heads the Umunna, a section of the village tracing its lineage back to a common father. As we…

A collage of traditional Igbo women's hairstyles showcasing the diversity and complexity of these styles. Each photograph captures a different style, reflecting the cultural identity, social status, beauty standards, and artistic expression within the Igbo community.

Igbo Women’s Hairstyles: A Rich Heritage of Culture and Art

Igbo women’s hairstyles have long been a symbol of cultural identity, artistry, and social status. These hairstyles, which have evolved over centuries, are not merely about aesthetics but also about conveying deeper cultural meanings. This post explores the historical significance, materials and techniques, cultural context, and modern relevance of Igbo…

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

Ala, the Earth Goddess in Igbo Mythology

Ala, also known as Ani, stands as the revered Earth Goddess in Igbo mythology. She embodies the earth’s fertility, morality, and creativity, playing a crucial role in Igbo cosmology. Her name, which translates to “land” in Igbo, signifies her deep connection to the earth and its bountiful fertility. As the…

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

The Anglo-Aro War: A Clash of Cultures and Power

The Anglo-Aro War (1901-1902) was more than just a military conflict; it represented a profound clash of cultures and ideologies. The Aro Confederacy, along with other southeastern Nigerian communities, fiercely resisted British colonial expansion for over two decades. According to Robert D. Jackson’s “The Twenty Years’ War,” this prolonged resistance…

An Igbo house decorated with carvings. Credit: Kaycee Alozie and Isioma Ani

Traditional Igbo Houses: Architecture and Cultural Significance

The traditional architecture of the Igbo people in southeastern Nigeria is a reflection of their rich cultural heritage and practical needs. These houses are not just dwellings but are imbued with cultural, social, and spiritual significance. Structure and Materials Traditional Igbo houses are typically constructed using locally available materials such…

Northcote W. Thomas, British Anthropologist and Psychical Researcher, circa 1910.

Northcote Thomas: A Complex Legacy for Igbo Anthropology

Northcote Whitridge Thomas, an anthropologist appointed by the British government, embarked on a series of ethnographic expeditions in Nigeria from 1909 to 1915. His work, particularly among the Igbo people, left a lasting impact on the study of African cultures. However, his legacy is intertwined with both significant contributions and…

Nri-Awka white female face mask with itchi scarring, 1937. Pitt Rivers Museum. University of Oxford

The Igbo Masks: Cultural Heritage and Artistic Expression

Masks hold a special place in the cultural and artistic heritage of the Igbo people. These elaborate creations are not merely decorative objects; they carry deep spiritual, social, and cultural meanings. From ancient times to the present day, Igbo masks have played crucial roles in ceremonies, rituals, and festivals, symbolizing…

The Eze Nri

The Eze Nri, the traditional ruler of the ancient Kingdom of Nri in present-day southeastern Nigeria, stands as a symbol of peace, culture, and spiritual authority in Igbo history. Unlike other African kingdoms, the Eze Nri wielded power not through military might but through religious and cultural influence. This established…