Men’s Attire
- Isiagu (Chieftaincy Shirt): A notable Igbo male attire is the Isiagu, a richly patterned shirt often sewn in gold or red motifs. It has a regal appearance, symbolizing status and pride in Igbo heritage.
- Wrapper and Red Cap: Men may tie a wrapper (a large cloth worn around the waist) and complement it with a red cap (commonly called the Okpu ododo), which denotes chieftaincy or elder status within the community.
Women’s Attire
- George Wrapper and Blouse: Igbo women traditionally wear brightly colored wrappers made from George or Ankara fabrics, accompanied by matching blouses. The patterns often incorporate local symbols or geometric shapes that reflect the wearer’s sense of style and identity.
- Head Tie (Ichafu or Gele): A flamboyant head tie is a staple for Igbo women, often carefully wrapped or sculpted to create an eye-catching shape. The colors and design may match the wrapper or blouse to form a cohesive ensemble.
- Beadwork and Jewelry: Intricate beadwork—necklaces, bracelets, and waist beads—enhances the elegance of Igbo women’s attire. Coral beads, in particular, carry a sense of nobility and tradition.
Masquerade Costumes
- Artful Masks and Regalia: Masquerade costumes (mmanwu) can range from modest to highly elaborate, with masks carved from wood and adorned with colorful designs, feathers, and raffia. Each mask depicts a spirit or ancestor, with every detail—facial expressions, painted patterns—carrying symbolic meaning.
- Layered Fabrics: Performers drape themselves in layers of cloth, raffia, and beaded accessories, often producing a striking silhouette that emphasizes the spiritual or ancestral essence they represent.