Tribal marks in Nigeria
Tribal marks are lacerations made on the face that was a common practice years ago in parts of the Yoruba and the Hausa tribes of Nigeria.
The facial mark was used as a symbol of honour, beauty and heritage and something worn with pride.
Different tribes and various families have distinct ways of making the lacerations on the face to create their form of identity.
The Yoruba tribe of Nigeria have different tribal marks styles like the Pele, Owu, Gombo, Agbaja, Ture amongst others.
The Benin tribe have the “Iwu” tribal marks while the Hausa tribal marks are known as Zube, Yan Baka, Doddori and Bille.
The tribal mark well known with the Fulani tribe is the Kalangu.
Tribal marks became important during the slave trade era as it served as an easy means of identification for people who made their way back home.
Recently, a Nigerian model with tribal marks, Adetutu, got the attention of pop star Rihanna, after SH singer’s online campaign for her Fenty brand.
In recent years, the practice has waned as tribal marks are now seen as a mutilation and something to be ashamed of.
