Decoration is first accomplished by rubbing the body with camwood, yellow ochre and oils which lightens the skin and makes it smooth and attractive. Among the Tiv, the effort to make oneself attractive must involve expense and effort. For body decorations involving the chipping of the teeth and scarification, the cost is pain. The Tiv feel that the pain involved in scarification and the chipping of teeth is a measure of unselfishness uncharacteristic of any other type of body decoration because it gives pleasure to both the wearer who endured the rite and the viewer who values their courage and commitment. Different generational styles of scarification on the face, chest, back and arms emphasize one's best physical attributes.
Men prefer scars on the chest, face and arms while women prefer scars on the back, belly and legs.
Both men and women publicly display their scars. Designs are both non representational geometric designs and representations of animals that the Tiv admire. Nail marks are flat, white decorative scars which can alter the planes of the face and chest. Raised scars characteristically found on women's bellies are said to increase fertility. They believe that a woman who has raised scars will be more sexually demanding and therefore more likely to bear children.