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A black and white photograph of the back of a person's head. Their hair is styled into a high, sculptural arrangement of thick, winding coils.

Photography: J.D. Okhai Ojeikere photographed 1000 intricate afro hairstyles

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Date
12 February 2014

Nigerian photographer J.D Okhai Ojeikere passed away last weekend, but at the age of 83 he left behind a truly incredible body of work celebrating Nigerian culture. These photos from his Hairstyles series are part of an archive of nearly 1000 pictures showing the intricate hair-dos of African women taken at work, social engagements and in the streets of Lagos. The beautifully composed black and white images draw attention to the sculptural quality of the hair, almost elevating it to an art form in itself. It goes without saying that his work is a unique treasure of historical and anthropological importance.

A black and white portrait from behind of a person with an architectural hairstyle. Thick, sculpted strands of hair rise from the head to form a cage-like structure.
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J.D. Okhai Ojeikere: Hairstyles

A black and white photograph of the back of a person's head. Their hair is styled into tight, glossy, undulating waves that create a sculptural, rhythmic pattern.
Above

J.D. Okhai Ojeikere: Hairstyles

A black and white photograph from behind shows a person with an intricate braided hairstyle. The braids sweep upwards from the nape of the neck to form a tall, conical shape.
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J.D. Okhai Ojeikere: Hairstyles

A black and white photograph from behind shows a person with their hair styled into six rounded puffs. The hair is parted in a clean, geometric pattern across the crown of the head.
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J.D. Okhai Ojeikere: Hairstyles

The back of a person’s head featuring an intricate, sculptural hairstyle. Thick, structured braids curve outwards and upwards, creating a crown-like silhouette against a plain white background.
Above

J.D. Okhai Ojeikere: Hairstyles

A person is seen from behind against a plain white background. Their hair is styled into a high, sculptural arrangement of thick, coiled braids. They wear large, silver hoop earrings.
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J.D. Okhai Ojeikere: Hairstyles

A profile portrait of a person with their hair styled into several sculptural, looped shapes that stand upright. They wear a long, circular drop earring against a plain white background.
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J.D. Okhai Ojeikere: Hairstyles

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About the Author

Lisa Farrell

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