Why do Africans mark their skin?

Body marking has been used for centuries in parts of Africa to indicate a person’s tribal heritage. It’s becoming less common but some people still want to carry the marks of their ancestors.

What are the reasons for tribal marks?

Reasons for tribal marks They usually gave a sense of belonging to those who bore them. At birth, the marks were put on a newborn as a symbol that he belonged to a particular group. Apart from identification, many people have tribal marks as a form of spiritual protection and for healing purposes.

How does tribal mark affect health?

Onadeko said the effects of tribal marks on the child could be psychological, emotional and social. “The scar might even develop keloids, which are some painless swellings that are so disfiguring and it brings serious psychological problems in later life that may even affect that child’s socialisation.

What is tribal mark in harmful traditional practices?

Tribal marks is a very common practice among most Nigerian ethic groups. It is referred to as ‘Efidan’, and is a harmful practice of cutting a mark on the skin of person, mostly on the face. Tribal marks are given on a child’s face as a means of uniqueness.

What was the social significance of scarification as an ancient practice?

Many societies originally used scarification to identify their fellow tribesmen from the enemy: “The indelible markings prevented warriors, who wore little clothing, from killing members of their own tribe, and ensured corpses received the correct funeral rites.”13 When the slave trade began in Africa, scarification …

What are African tribal masks made from?

The Materials of an African Mask. African masks are made from a range of available materials: wood, bronze, brass, copper, ivory, terracotta and glazed pottery, raffia and textiles. They are often decorated with cowrie shells, colored beads, bone, animal skins and vegetable fibre.

What is tribal mark?

The tribal marks are part of the Yoruba culture and are usually inscribed on the body by burning or cutting of the skin during childhood. The primary function of the tribal marks is for identification of a person’s tribe, family or patrilineal heritage.

What is African tribal art?

African tribal art consists of wood carvings, (masks and sculptures), stone carvings, furniture, ceramics, metalwork, jewelry, basketry , textiles, pipes, musical instruments, weapons, beadwork and the production of architectural features like doors and wall decoration and construction.

What is African tribal music?

African Tribal Music is a solid if nondescript collection of traditional African chants and rhythms. Some of the titles are a little lurid (” Drums of Passion ,” “White Zombie,” and ” Witch Doctor” seem more like B-movies), but by and large the set offers a good overview of its subject.