Art & Photography

Evolution of Dressing Amongst Nigerian Women 1910s to 1970s (Photos)

From the 1950s, dressing among women in Nigeria took a different turn and things began to change rapidly as ideas began to pour in; with many embracing various unique styles even while maintaining decency and cultural identity. The Factboyz Team brings to you various pictures that show the massive evolution of dressing among women in Nigeria.

Published

1 year ago

February 18, 2020

Jayamma Abanobi

Dressing in Nigeria amongst women is slightly complicated. This is because most women who dress in the country identify with their tribes and ethnic group. Nigeria is a large, diverse country which makeup 250+ ethnic group though predominant by these major three; Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba. Dressing is a value that identifies who we are and speaks volumes about our identity. From the early beginnings of Nigeria during the precolonial times, dressing has evolved from very simple designs that barely cover nakedness to complex designs that began probably in the 1930s.

1910s

A couple in Asaba, South Eastern Nigeria, 1900

Mary Slessor(seating) amongst Efik women in present Cross River State (1910s)

Women from Bauchi northern Nigeria 1911

Itsekiri Maidens 1910s

1920s

Igbo woman from Nri present Ana bra state in 1921

Woman and her son 1920s

1930s

Fulani Woman and her child
1930s

Dressmaking Establishment
Lagos 1937
Source: E.O Hoppe

1940s

A Yoruba woman weaves native cloth on a traditional hand-loom The cloth was woven from locally-grown cotton and dyed by local methods. Before the Second World War, production was steadily declining due to cheap imports from Europe and elsewhere, but wartime restrictions led to a revival in the local product.
South West Nigeria
March 1945.

1950s