Uli, also known as Uri, is a traditional Igbo art form of the Igbo tribe of South-Eastern Nigeria. It is a dyeing technique made of curved and linear patterns, abstract images, and natural pigments in the form of a juicy extract from pods of the Uli tree. It is mostly practiced by the Igbo women and, according to mythology, is a divine gift of artistry bestowed on the women by the earth goddess, Ala (Ani). This unique art form is mostly for adornment on women's bodies and wall designs. The Uli art has a rich history, and while there is no authority on its origin, it has been linked to the patterns found on the Igbo-Ukwu bronze art and is therefore dated back to the 9th century.

While most of its patterns are for aesthetic purposes, there are particular patterns considered sacred and only for the walls of shrines. Uli art is a temporary art form lasting for usually 7-8 days on the body or till much of it on walls is washed off by rain. Usually, the women central to this process are highly knowledgeable and expressive in their art. They employ different patterns outside the basics, which can be knots or any natural phenomenon. They work from dots, the tiniest part, to more descriptive lines connecting these details into motifs, complex designs that marvel an onlooker, more so, because they use basic tools.

The Uli art, unlike other art forms that utilize painting as an element, is practically a writing art. The practice of Uli art is called Ide/Ise Uli, meaning ‘writing uli.’ While there are many dialects in the Igbo language, the technique for applying Uli is the same across Igboland. There are several tools in its application, but the most important of them is the Uli, a liquid extract of any species of the Uli tree. The species are named according to their heights and seed types. Examples are Uli Ede eji (Gardenia imperialis), Uli Nkilisi/Nkpuru (Cremaspora Triflora), Uli Okorobiam (Rothmania Hispida), Uli Nkpo (Rothmania Whitfieldi), etc. The rest of the tools include Ufie (camwood), which symbolizes womanhood or blood in some places and is used as a foundation upon which the Uli is laid. Okwauli (palette), nkpisiuli (usually a bird feather, palm frond, or broomstick), and mma nwuli (a knife for permanent body designs) are all essential in the body application of Uli.

The two forms of the Uli application, which are the body and the walls, have different purposes. Application on the body is done by an individual, while wall application is usually communal, employing as many artists as possible, depending on the length of the wall, and is usually in preparation for festivities.

Uli art, despite its history and beauty, has declined due to many factors such as colonialism, Western beauty standards, and the introduction of permanent body beautification marks, e.g., tattoos. 

Regardless, the Uli Art is being revived in the works of contemporary artists across the world. This includes Chiagoziem Orji and The Nsukka Group. For the sake of this work, we focus on the former, also known as Agoziemart, a young woman employing the Nsibidi and Uli patterns in her works of art. Chiagoziem holds a bachelor’s degree in fine and applied arts with a major in fashion design from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Her works show great knowledge of the Igbo culture, art, and spirituality.

According to the Republic Journal, Chiagoziem’s investment in her Igbo roots and the portraiture of femininity in her work is highly fascinating. She believes ‘the world continues to exist on the provisions of fertility and nurture, which are the virtues of the Igbo earth goddess, Ala.’ and thinks it is essential to recognize and preserve the names of women and female spirits in Igbo communities.

There are male artists like Uche Okeke who have worked and continued to incorporate Uli art in their art forms. There are many other artists ensuring Uli art remains alive. The Uli art continues to be an essential part of the Igbo culture, history and legacy.

Photo credits:

Art 365 virtual museum

Rex Clarke Adventures 

Northcorte W. Thomas

Chiagoziem Orji

References:

okwuid.com

African Journals Online

The Republic Journal