Igbo Uri painting, also known as uli painting, is a traditional form of body art practiced by the Igbo people, particularly women. It involves intricate designs made with natural dyes on the body, often during special occasions such as festivals, ceremonies, and rituals. These patterns are also applied to walls, fabrics, and objects, but their application to the body holds particular cultural significance.
Uli designs are typically made using plant-based dyes, often derived from the seeds or leaves of the uli tree (Combretum sp.). These dyes were semi-permanent, fading after a few days or weeks, which aligned with the temporary nature of the events they commemorated.
Today, while traditional uli painting on the body is less common due to modernization, the art form is still celebrated in contemporary Igbo culture, particularly in the context of art exhibitions and fashion, where it serves as a connection to cultural heritage.
