BLk 023 Female Igbo cultural attire

The Igbo traditional / cultural attire is indigenous to the southeastern people of Nigeria comprising of a well-known tribe who are enterprising, independent, and adventurous in nature. Like other Nigerian tribes, the Igbos have a rich culture and heritage characterised by elements such as food, beliefs, and especially dressing.

The traditional attire includes garments, jewelries, and accessories rooted in the past of the people of Igbo land, though with slight changes over time in colour, form, and material.

Traditional attire is a significant part of every culture. Through it, individuals establish their sense of self as well as their place in society. Traditional clothing is an essential part of Igbo people’s rich and fascinating cultural heritage.

Girls usually wear a short wrapper with beads around their waist with other ornaments such as necklaces and beads.
Mgba aka, mgba olu, and mgba ụkwụ are beads and bands worn as a wrist or arm band, bracelet, necklace, and ankle lace. Men and women wear mgba aka and others, though the nature and style of the jewelry may be gender-specific. These jewelries include olaedo, cowries, coral beads, ivory (ọdụ).

Mgbájị is a set of waist ornaments, usually coloured beads or pearls. Girls would wear beads around their necks, wrist and ankles to showcase their beauty. Multiple rings of mgbájị encircle the lower abdomen down to the upper hips.

Uli is body art used to decorate women in the form of lines forming patterns and shapes on the body.

Ọgọdọ – is the generic term for a wrapper tied around the waist, typically reaching the ankles, though it can be shorter. The material used is usually plain george fabric