Abebe
J. D. 'Okhai Ojeikere
Photography
In a thirty-year photographic project, Ojeikere sought to systematically document the rich variety and beauty of the contemporary Nigerian hairstyles he witnessed in daily life. Most of the photographs, like Abebe, were taken from behind, revealing the abstract and sculptural aspects of the hairdos.
Hairstyles are often complex signifiers of identity and social status, particularly for the Yoruba. They can indicate a woman’s age, her occupation, her religious or political power, or even her state of mind. Many hairdos are also tied to specific ceremonies, such as a wedding or the naming ceremony of a child. The abebe (fan) style shown here has an implication of “coolness,” composure, and royalty, qualities that are ideally linked.
Hairstyles are often complex signifiers of identity and social status, particularly for the Yoruba. They can indicate a woman’s age, her occupation, her religious or political power, or even her state of mind. Many hairdos are also tied to specific ceremonies, such as a wedding or the naming ceremony of a child. The abebe (fan) style shown here has an implication of “coolness,” composure, and royalty, qualities that are ideally linked.
MEDIUM
Gelatin silver print
DATES
1975 (printed 2010)
DIMENSIONS
Sheet: 20 x 16 in. (50.8 x 40.6 cm)
Image: 13 3/4 x 13 1/2 in. (34.9 x 34.3 cm) (show scale)
COLLECTIONS
Photography
ACCESSION NUMBER
2010.33.1
CREDIT LINE
Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Samuel S. Mandel, by exchange
EXHIBITIONS
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is not on view
CAPTION
J. D. 'Okhai Ojeikere (Nigerian, 1930–2014). Abebe, 1975 (printed 2010). Gelatin silver print, Sheet: 20 x 16 in. (50.8 x 40.6 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Samuel S. Mandel, by exchange, 2010.33.1. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2010.33.1_PS20.jpg)
IMAGE
overall, 2010.33.1_PS20.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2023
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RIGHTS STATEMENT
© J.D. Okhai Ojeikere I Courtesy Gallery FIFTY ONE and L. Parker Stephenson
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