uli

Uli is a term that can refer to different cultural uses. In the Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria, Uli denotes a traditional form of ceremonial body and mural decoration. Uli art is created by women and is characterized by flowing lines and geometric motifs drawn with white lime paste and other natural pigments on the skin or on walls. Designs often mark social status, identity, friendships, or participation in rites of passage. Uli patterns are stylized and abstract, emphasizing rhythm and balance rather than representational imagery. The practice has played a significant role in Igbo aesthetics and ritual life, and although its visibility has declined in some communities, it remains an important subject in the study of African art.

In German-speaking regions, Uli is commonly used as a diminutive or nickname for Ulrich and, less often, for Ulrike or related names. It functions as a given name in its own right and is borne by individuals in fields such as sports, music, and culture. The dual use of the term—art tradition in Nigeria and a personal name in Europe—reflects its distinct linguistic and cultural origins.

Because Uli has more than one established meaning, its interpretation relies on context: as a reference to Igbo body and mural painting, or as a personal name in German-speaking communities.