Tag Uli

Igbo Archives • Uli

An Igbo girl from Nibo, with ùlì designs on her skin, 1911

An Igbo girl from Nibo, present-day Anambra State, with ùlì designs on her skin. Photographed by Northcote Thomas, c. 1911.
This photograph captures an Igbo girl from Nibo, now in Anambra State, adorned with ùlì body art. Taken by British anthropologist Northcote Thomas in 1911, it showcases the unique artistic expression of the Igbo people. Ùlì, a traditional form of body decoration, held aesthetic, cultural, and spiritual significance.

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.