Uli

(noun)

The name given to the traditional designs drawn by the Igbo people of Nigeria; the drawings are strongly linear and do not have deep perspective, but they balance positive and negative space; designs are frequently asymmetrical and are often painted spontaneously. 

Related Terms

Examples of Uli in the following topics:

  • Art of the Igbo

    • Some popular Igbo art styles include Uli designs.
    • Some houses had elaborate designs both in the interior and exterior, including Uli art designed by Igbo women.

  • Sculpture of the Igbo-Ukwu

    • Some houses had elaborate designs both in the interior and exterior, including Uli art designed by Igbo women.

  • Nigerian Art Post-Independence

    • In the early 1970s, Okeke was appointed lecturer and acting head of the Fine Arts Department at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he introduced many new courses into the Igbo Uli art tradition.