Uli (Uri) are the curvilinear traditional designs drawn by the Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria. These designs are generally abstract, consisting of linear forms and geometric shapes, though there are some representational elements. Traditionally, these are either stained onto the body or painted onto the sides of buildings as murals.[1] Designs are frequently asymmetrical and are often painted spontaneously.[2] Uli is generally not sacred, apart from those images painted on the walls of shrines and created in conjunction with some community rituals.[3] In addition, uli is not directly symbolic but instead focused on the creation of a visual impact[1] and decorating the body of the patron or building in question.[4]
The designs are almost exclusively produced by women, who decorate other people's with dark dyes to prepare for village events, such as marriage, title taking, or funerals, as well as for more everyday wear.[5] Designs last approximately 8 days.[6] Igbo women also paint uli murals on the walls of compounds and houses, using four basic pigments: black, white, yellow, and red.[6] These designs last until the rainy season.[3]
The drawing of uri was once practiced throughout most of Igboland, although by 1970 it had lost much of its popularity, and was being kept alive by a handful of contemporary artists.[7] However, uli does continue to be practiced by some artists within Nigeria,[7] some of whom have begun producing traditional designs on canvas.[8] In addition, contemporary artists, such as the artists of the Nsukka group, have appropriated motifs and aesthetics of uli and incorporated them into other media, often combining these with other styles both from Nigeria and Europe.[9]