Keep Up With Global Black News

Sign up to our newsletter to get the latest updates and events from the leading Afro-Diaspora publisher straight to your inbox.

Avatar photo
BY Francis Akhalbey, 12:11pm March 15, 2018,

#ThrowbackThursday: A look at vintage Nigerian royalty and class through the lens of Chief S.O. Alonge

Avatar photo
by Francis Akhalbey, 12:11pm March 15, 2018,
Chief S.O. Alonge -- Photo Credit: Smithsonian National Museum of African Art

Chief Solomon Osagie Alonge was a pioneering self-taught Nigerian photographer and the first official photographer for the royal court of Benin City in Nigeria. On this instalment of #ThrowbackThursday, Face2Face Africa takes a look at some of his incredible photos courtesy the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art. Enjoy!

#ThrowbackThursday: A look at vintage Nigerian royalty and class through the lens of Chief S.O. Alonge

Benin Woman From The Royal Court, With Traditional Hairstyle And Coral Beads. Photograph By Chief S.O. Alonge, C. 1942 – 1966. Ideal Photo Studio, Benin City, Nigeria.

 

#ThrowbackThursday: A look at vintage Nigerian royalty and class through the lens of Chief S.O. Alonge

Chief Gaius Obaseki Portrait [Mr. Idehen, Saw Miller]. Photograph By Chief S.O. Alonge, C. 1942 – 1966. Ideal Photo Studio, Benin City, Nigeria.

#ThrowbackThursday: A look at vintage Nigerian royalty and class through the lens of Chief S.O. Alonge

Four Sisters Dressed Alike, Seated On A Couch. Photograph By Chief S.O. Alonge, C. 1942 – 1966. Ideal Photo Studio, Benin City, Nigeria.

 

#ThrowbackThursday: A look at vintage Nigerian royalty and class through the lens of Chief S.O. Alonge

Head Shot (Bust) Portrait – Young Woman [Mrs. Agbontaen, As Girl]. Photograph By Chief S.O. Alonge, C. 1942 – 1966. Ideal Photo Studio, Benin City, Nigeria.

#ThrowbackThursday: A look at vintage Nigerian royalty and class through the lens of Chief S.O. Alonge

Man Seated In Suit With Striped Socks. Photograph By Chief S.O. Alonge, C. 1942 – 1966. Ideal Photo Studio, Benin City, Nigeria.

 

#ThrowbackThursday: A look at vintage Nigerian royalty and class through the lens of Chief S.O. Alonge

Portrait Of Man In Agbada. Photograph By Chief S.O. Alonge, C. 1942 – 1966. Ideal Photo Studio, Benin City, Nigeria.

 

#ThrowbackThursday: A look at vintage Nigerian royalty and class through the lens of Chief S.O. Alonge

Three Young Women Seated On Rail. Photograph By Chief S.O. Alonge, C. 1942 – 1966. Ideal Photo Studio, Benin City, Nigeria.

 

#ThrowbackThursday: A look at vintage Nigerian royalty and class through the lens of Chief S.O. Alonge

Two Men Seated With Crossed Legs [I. Jesurove On Left]. Photograph By Chief S.O. Alonge, C. 1942 – 1966. Ideal Photo Studio, Benin City, Nigeria.

#ThrowbackThursday: A look at vintage Nigerian royalty and class through the lens of Chief S.O. Alonge

Two Women Dressed Alike. Photograph By Chief S.O. Alonge, C. 1942 – 1966. Ideal Photo Studio, Benin City, Nigeria.

 

#ThrowbackThursday: A look at vintage Nigerian royalty and class through the lens of Chief S.O. Alonge

Woman Wearing Traditional Cloth And Head Wrapper. Photograph By Chief S.O. Alonge, C. 1942 – 1966. Ideal Photo Studio, Benin City, Nigeria.

 

#ThrowbackThursday: A look at vintage Nigerian royalty and class through the lens of Chief S.O. Alonge

Two Young Girls Dressed Alike. Photograph By Chief S.O. Alonge, C. 1942 – 1966. Ideal Photo Studio, Benin City, Nigeria.

 

#ThrowbackThursday: A look at vintage Nigerian royalty and class through the lens of Chief S.O. Alonge

Young Man And Woman, Seated With Hand Poses. Photograph By Chief S.O. Alonge, C. 1942 – 1966. Ideal Photo Studio, Benin City, Nigeria.

 

#ThrowbackThursday: A look at vintage Nigerian royalty and class through the lens of Chief S.O. Alonge

Young Man Leaning On Rail, With Striped Shirt. Photograph By Chief S.O. Alonge, C. 1942 – 1966. Ideal Photo Studio, Benin City, Nigeria.

 

#ThrowbackThursday: A look at vintage Nigerian royalty and class through the lens of Chief S.O. Alonge

Young Woman Leaning On Chair With Floral Dress. Photograph By Chief S.O. Alonge, C. 1942 – 1966. Ideal Photo Studio, Benin City, Nigeria.

 

#ThrowbackThursday: A look at vintage Nigerian royalty and class through the lens of Chief S.O. Alonge

Young Woman Leaning On Rail, With Striped Shirt. Photograph By Chief S.O. Alonge, C. 1942 – 1966. Ideal Photo Studio, Benin City, Nigeria.

 

#ThrowbackThursday: A look at vintage Nigerian royalty and class through the lens of Chief S.O. Alonge

Young Woman; Crossed Legs (Modern). Photograph By Chief S.O. Alonge, C. 1942 – 1966. Ideal Photo Studio, Benin City, Nigeria.

 

#ThrowbackThursday: A look at vintage Nigerian royalty and class through the lens of Chief S.O. Alonge

Youth with jeans and cap; suede lace-up shoes; rug they used in client photos

Last Edited by:Francis Akhalbey Updated: May 3, 2018

Conversations

Must Read

Connect with us

Join our Mailing List to Receive Updates

Face2face Africa | Afrobeatz+ | BlackStars

Keep Up With Global Black News and Events

Sign up to our newsletter to get the latest updates and events from the leading Afro-Diaspora publisher straight to your inbox, plus our curated weekly brief with top stories across our platforms.

No, Thank You