Igbo Art History

Observe
What it might be used for

Symbolism
About The Mask
The mask was used in an Eastern area of Nigeria called Afikpo.
Young men used to wear the masks to mime their elders as a form of
entertainment for the community.
The performances were held by different groups of men every afternoon for
a month.
The mask used broad geometric shapes colored black, white, and yellow for
the overall design.
Observe
What it might be used for

Symbolism
About The Statue
These statues were carved from wood and were used as personal shrines
for Igbo men.
The shrines, called Ikengas, were said to have given strength and success to
Igbo men. These statues often have horns.
Fill in the Blank Facts
The earliest surviving artwork from Igbo culture dates all the way back to the
10th century.
The most common form of Igbo art is masks.
Uli is the term for traditional designs drawn by the Igbo people of Nigeria. The
designs are linear and do not have deep perspective. The designs were also
generally asymmetrical.
The most common form of music in Igbo culture is called Highlife, which is a
mixture of Jazz and Traditional music.
Traditional clothing in Igbo culture generally depicts people, animals, and
abstract conceptions.