Tribal Marks: The Struggle between Tradition and Abuse
By: Yewande Adeleke
Tags: Culture, Children, History, Africa, Tradition

Tribal Marks: The Struggle between Tradition and Abuse

Photo source: Hellenrose

Tribal marks are bodily marks that people bear, particularly Africans. Their history can be traced back to the 14th century in West Africa. Many people attribute this tradition’s origins to the slave trade era when slave raiding was a regular occurrence. During that time, tribal marks were used by families to identify one another and reconnect with themselves during captivity. It helped people retain their roots after they were captured and taken into slavery.

These marks are usually engraved by piercing the skin with sharp objects like blades and knives.

In countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Sudan, Ethiopia, and Tanzania, tribal marks are common and some people have these marks on the faces, chests, and other parts of their bodies.

Reasons for tribal marks

People have tribal marks for various reasons.

In the past, they served various purposes such as identification and beautification. They were used by ethnic groups to identify members of their tribe or family lineage. 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. In some places, children are given marks when they are seriously ill in order to treat them.

The process of tribal marking

The painful process involves cutting or piercing the skin with a sharp or hot object. After this is done, it leaves permanent scars on the affected area of the body.

The methods of engraving the marks are very painful and sometimes may not be safe. In worst cases, improperly sterilized objects could cause serious infection and other health implications, especially in children.

There are various reactions towards the use of tribal markings, especially in recent times. A lot of people believe it is a risky means of identification, and for others, its advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

Attempts to stop tribal marking

Photo source: weafriquenations

In recent times, the inscription of tribal marks has reduced drastically because many people consider it to be archaic, unhealthy, and a symbol of paganism. It no longer has a wide appeal and isn’t as common as it used to be.

Although it still prevails in certain parts of Africa, there is a certain level of awareness being raised in the rural areas to ensure that it is gradually reduced to a point of obscurity.

Some African countries are also taking steps to outlaw the practice of facial marks, particularly on infants and children. For instance, in Nigeria in 2017, a bill was passed to criminalize facial mutilation under the guise of tribal marks.

In many villages too, tribal marking has become prohibited and comes with a heavy fine or imprisonment for any parent or guardian caught engaging in it.

The main reason for deciding to criminalize the use of facial marks is because it has become an emblem of disfiguration and in most cases, people that have marks on their faces are ridiculed in society. It has resulted in name-calling and people with marks have become subjects of jokes and laughter.

Apart from being a source of reproach, many people who have these marks battle with self-esteem issues because for them, they have become a source of mockery. On regular occasions, they are teased and stigmatized.

In worst cases, some mark bearers have experienced depression and non-acceptance due to the mistreatment they received from others. For example, a well-known Nigerian model, Adetutu Alabi once expressed her misgivings about having tribal marks. In her words:

“It was difficult growing up with tribal marks. These days, I don’t pay the bullying any mind, even though I still get insulted anytime I go out.”

As a measure towards curbing its continuance, parents are allowed to report to the police if there is a family member that insists on applying tribal markings to their children.

Conclusion

The long-term implications of tribal marks are more discomforting than beneficial to anyone who has them.

Tribal marking remains an ancient practice that should be stopped because it is generally repulsive and abusive, especially when used on young children who can’t defend themselves from its invasiveness. Sadly, they would have to face the consequences of having it when they grow older.

Besides, there are several ways to identify people, rather than putting marks on their bodies.

Thankfully, the practice is fast declining as many people no longer see a need to make themselves unattractive, on the basis of cultural adherence.