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!
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.
Chief Gaius Obaseki Portrait [Mr. Idehen, Saw Miller]. Photograph By Chief S.O. Alonge, C. 1942 – 1966. Ideal Photo Studio, Benin City, Nigeria.
Four Sisters Dressed Alike, Seated On A Couch. Photograph By Chief S.O. Alonge, C. 1942 – 1966. Ideal Photo Studio, Benin City, Nigeria.
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.
Man Seated In Suit With Striped Socks. Photograph By Chief S.O. Alonge, C. 1942 – 1966. Ideal Photo Studio, Benin City, Nigeria.
Portrait Of Man In Agbada. Photograph By Chief S.O. Alonge, C. 1942 – 1966. Ideal Photo Studio, Benin City, Nigeria.
Three Young Women Seated On Rail. Photograph By Chief S.O. Alonge, C. 1942 – 1966. Ideal Photo Studio, Benin City, Nigeria.
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.
Two Women Dressed Alike. Photograph By Chief S.O. Alonge, C. 1942 – 1966. Ideal Photo Studio, Benin City, Nigeria.
Woman Wearing Traditional Cloth And Head Wrapper. Photograph By Chief S.O. Alonge, C. 1942 – 1966. Ideal Photo Studio, Benin City, Nigeria.
Two Young Girls Dressed Alike. Photograph By Chief S.O. Alonge, C. 1942 – 1966. Ideal Photo Studio, Benin City, Nigeria.
Young Man And Woman, Seated With Hand Poses. Photograph By Chief S.O. Alonge, C. 1942 – 1966. Ideal Photo Studio, Benin City, Nigeria.
Young Man Leaning On Rail, With Striped Shirt. Photograph By Chief S.O. Alonge, C. 1942 – 1966. Ideal Photo Studio, Benin City, Nigeria.
Young Woman Leaning On Chair With Floral Dress. Photograph By Chief S.O. Alonge, C. 1942 – 1966. Ideal Photo Studio, Benin City, Nigeria.
Young Woman Leaning On Rail, With Striped Shirt. Photograph By Chief S.O. Alonge, C. 1942 – 1966. Ideal Photo Studio, Benin City, Nigeria.
Young Woman; Crossed Legs (Modern). Photograph By Chief S.O. Alonge, C. 1942 – 1966. Ideal Photo Studio, Benin City, Nigeria.
Youth with jeans and cap; suede lace-up shoes; rug they used in client photos
