Designer and knitter Marvel Ekwuribe tells us the story of a singular and significant knitting project.
The Igbo people, primarily located in southeastern Nigeria (with significant populations in Cameroon, Gabon, and Equatorial Guinea), are known for their rich cultural and historical heritage. They express their traditions through a variety of art forms, such as ceremonial scripts like Nsibidi, Akwete cloth weaving, Uli (body and mural art), wood carving, and the intricate lost wax bronze casting technique.
In this article, we will delve into the intricate world of traditional Igbo arts, focusing on Akwete cloth weaving, Uli symbols, and the Nsibidi writing system. We will also explore how these traditional art forms can be translated into knitting, offering a unique way to preserve and celebrate Igbo heritage.
All images courtesy Marvel Ekwuribe.
