Young Igbo Woman Being Painted with UliIgbo, NIgeria1986.
Igbo women illustrate their bodies in significant patterns. This concept is referred to as uli painting, using a dye made from seeds of uli plants that stain the skin black. Designs are painted on girls who just left the ‘fattening room’ where they were prepped for marriage in three months. After this, they are presented to the community and future husbands in a ceremony with their bodies painted in Uli to show their climax of beauty. These designs focus on the girl’s best features but also hide her imperfections.