Cultural Coifs: Rich Nigerian Tradition Captured in Bold Hairstyle Images

The photograph series "Hairstyles" reveals striking looks.

Hair-Raising Works of Art - At 20 years old, Nigeria-born and based photographer J.D. ‘Okhai Ojeikere purchased his first camera — a Kodak Brownie — in 1950. Two decades later, he honed his skills photographing the elaborate, sculptural hairstyles worn by local women. Since then, his work has been featured in more than 50 exhibitions worldwide, including this year’s prestigious Venice Biennale. Keep reading to see the braids, twists and knots that inspired this internationally renowned artist. —Patrice Peck(Photo: J.D. Okhai Ojeikere/Courtesy of Fifty One Fine Art Photography, Antwerp)
Modern Suku HD 916/75, 1975 - From Lagos, Nigeria, to Helsinki to Houston, Ojeikere’s series Hairstyles has been exhibited throughout the world.(Photo: J.D. Okhai Ojeikere/Courtesy of Fifty One Fine Art Photography, Antwerp)
Mkpuk Eba HD 694/74, 1974 - The empty background emphasizes the sculptural qualities of each bold hairstyle as seen here in this elegant design.(Photo: J.D. Okhai Ojeikere/Courtesy of Fifty One Fine Art Photography, Antwerp)Star Koroba HD 229/71, 1971 - Through capturing the hair fashions of the late 1960s and 1970s, Ojeikere also documented Nigeria’s cultural identity while referencing ancestral tribal traditions.(Photo: J.D. Okhai Ojeikere/Courtesy of Fifty One Fine Art Photography, Antwerp)

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Hair-Raising Works of Art - At 20 years old, Nigeria-born and based photographer J.D. ‘Okhai Ojeikere purchased his first camera — a Kodak Brownie — in 1950. Two decades later, he honed his skills photographing the elaborate, sculptural hairstyles worn by local women. Since then, his work has been featured in more than 50 exhibitions worldwide, including this year’s prestigious Venice Biennale. Keep reading to see the braids, twists and knots that inspired this internationally renowned artist. —Patrice Peck(Photo: J.D. Okhai Ojeikere/Courtesy of Fifty One Fine Art Photography, Antwerp)

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