Nollywood Sins: Igbo historical attire

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This is likely going to be a series. Just because of how prevalent so many historical 'sins' are in modern Nollywood. Why is it that Nollywood almost never gets historical Igbo attire right?

https://twitter.com/x/status/1533033615105347584

https://twitter.com/x/status/660720882395029504

I acknowledge that Nollywood doesn't claim to represent actual history and lack of funds strongly restricts them. But at a point, you need ask; how is this even possible? Do they not research at all? Watching some movies gives the impression that they searched up stereotypical 'African' dressing and decided to go with that, instead of sitting down to talk with their elders.

 

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This would have not been a problem is Igbos back in the day were walking around in sackcloth and ashes, but they weren't. It's like making an Indian movie, and everyone is wearing cowboy hats and boots. It makes no sense.

Here are the average clothing of historical Igbos.

 

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Pictures of older women

 

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Igbo man from the 1700s describing general Igbo clothing.

 

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British/European describing Igbo clothing

 

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British/European speaking of a type of fancy Igbo clothing that he saw being sold in the Niger confluence area.

 

[Alfalfa]

This is likely going to be a series. Just because of how prevalent so many historical 'sins' are in modern Nollywood. Why is it that Nollywood almost never gets historical Igbo attire right?

https://twitter.com/x/status/1533033615105347584

https://twitter.com/x/status/660720882395029504

I acknowledge that Nollywood doesn't claim to represent actual history and lack of funds strongly restricts them. But at a point, you need ask; how is this even possible? Do they not research at all? Watching some movies gives the impression that they searched up stereotypical 'African' dressing and decided to go with that, instead of sitting down to talk with their elders.

I've been wondering about that too. LOL. They say it's because of funds, but the truth is many of them are not trying at all.

 

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British/European speaking of a type of fancy Igbo clothing that he saw being sold in the Niger confluence area.
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The fancy clothes that he was talking about, was likely similar to the clothes below. Originating from the Anambra/Enugu area.

 

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People of Bonny/Igbo wearing hinterland Igbo clothing.

 

[Biaframan]

This would have not been a problem is Igbos back in the day were walking around in sackcloth and ashes, but they weren't. It's like making an Indian movie, and everyone is wearing cowboy hats and boots. It makes no sense.

Here are the average clothing of historical Igbos.


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Great Thread

 

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People in the market, a bit grainy.

 

[Biaframan]

...

 

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Men at an event, look at the amazing patterns on their clothing.

 

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Young women dancing: beautifully patterned dresses. A bit hard to see though.

 

[Alfalfa]

People in the market, a bit grainy.
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The men hustling in the hot sun at the market are better attired than the so-called 'King's guards' of Nollywood.

 

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Somewhat iconic picture: young maidens dressed for a festival. Amazing quality of fabrics and patterns.

 

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Famous akwete weaving: set of several weaving styles associated with the town of Akwete.

 

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Vintage pictures of Igbo women wearing akwete clothing.

 

[Goon]

The common men hustling at the market are better attired than the so-called 'King's guard' in Nollywood fantasy.
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That whole 'king's guard' thing they do can be annoying sha.

 

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