Portrait of an Adult Woman from Aboh, 1870–1900

Portrait of an adult woman standing and holding a basket resting on a head pad. She wears a cloth wrap from the waist down and a neck ornament, possibly displaying scarification on her cheek. Referred to as a “market girl.” Photographed in Aboh by P. A. McC, circa 1870–1900.

ByChuka OdikeJanuary 23, 20250Comments

Symbols of Status and Heritage: Ichi Marks and Igbo Ukwu Art as Reflections of Igbo Culture

Left: Titled Igbo woman with full-face ichi marks, Iwollo, 1983. Photo: Herbert Cole. Right: 'Igbo Ukwu' female figure, c. 9th century CE Titled Igbo Woman with Ichi Marks, Iwollo, Ezeagu in Enugu State (1983), the images evoke a strong sense of Igbo culture and heritage. Ichi marks are a traditional Igbo scarification design indicating beauty, strength, and…

ByChuka OdikeOctober 20, 20240Comments

The Ichi Tradition: A Symbol of Identity and Nobility Among the Igbo

Igbo Men with Mgburuichi from Nri. Photographed by Northcote Thomas, c. 1910-1911. Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Cambridge Before the incursion of Christian missionary activity into Igbo society, this ichi marking was an important protective mechanism for its bearers against the convoluted social fabrics in Igbo society. Those with distinctive facial scars were partly immune from…

ByChizobem Chinedu OpiahSeptember 4, 20240Comments