User:Mkoch21Fox/African scarification

Tattoos vary across regions of Africa and each tribe/people have different types of tattoos that they choose to brand themselves with, all with different meanings. All African tattoos are considered lived experiences, and not always for body adornment or ornamental purposes. It is a shared experience, tying the person to their tribe or people. For many African cultures, they turn to scarification rather than tattoos for their body adornment. This process of scarification or tattooing was seen as a huge triumph of bravery and courage, an initiation process or a rite of passage. For the Yoruba tribe, tattoos and scarification were used for both beautification and a representation of courage for the individual. African tattoos are rarely representative, which makes determining their meaning and background difficult. But magical practices are often linked directly to the functionality of the tattoo. These tattoos were not usually applied all at once, and instead were added onto over time. The Yoruba believed that the outer appearance was a visual representation of the inner spirit. Yoruba tattoo masters, or "oniisonon" -- "one who creates art"-- were held in high regard, as their skill and speed was considered to be unmatched.

Body scarification is the process of skin incisions with sharp instruments to shape patterns/designs to the scar tissue of the body. Instruments can vary from razors, knives, stones, glass shards, coconut shells, wooden hooks, and/or edged thorns. Insertion of various unsterilized materials in the wounds create different effects of the scars, or keloids. Items such as crocodile dung, clay, ash, gunpowder, ink, and charcoal are rubbed into the wounds to delay the healing process and provide emphasis. Cicatrisation, a special form of scarification, can be used to make permanent blisters by applying plant juices to the wounds, which causes skin irritation. Other forms of body modification can be seen from cranial and foot binding, branding, ear shaping, female genital mutilation, male circumcision, and removal or enlargement of body parts. Scarification processes vary on the areas of the body marked through identification, and cultural and traditional practices and rituals. For the Yoruba, caustic plant juices and cashew nuts that were crushed are added to the skin to prevent the healing process. Designs can vary from three lines on the cheekbones, which are known in Ekiti and Ijesa culture, along with lines that start from the armpit and across to the groin area, that groups from Ijebu and Egba recognize.

Symbolism
The meaning of scarification vary across African cultures, but some themes can be seen based on the look, uses, and specific scarification process. Some common uses are to heal, to protect from evil spirits, to be used as a marker of belonging, for ornamentation, and to express a personal sense of self. Fertility is one of the most common symbols found across African cultures. Archaeologists speculate that the theme of fertility may have originated with ancient Egyptians due to markings found on female mummified bodies. For those such as the Fulani or the Makonde, the markings were meant to make the bearer more attractive to the opposite sex. Across cultures, the amount and complexity of tattoos carry their own significance. In sub-saharan Africa, it is believed that the more scars someone had meant the increased likelihood in driving away evil spirits. In Makonde culture, more scars were associated with having a more respectable lifestyle such as being a member of high social status or being a consistent contributor to society. Detailed scarification patterns can also be an indication of someone of high social status such as kings, chiefs, and other members of nobility. They can also symbolize the character of a person. The Amazigh use markings to express self-identity. Tattoos on Egyptian men can be tied back to the goddess Neith, who symbolizes war and weaving.