Why Yoruba Tribal Mark Should Be Abolished
Growing up to see this lines on your first, what would you do to your Father and Mother?
The Yoruba tribal marks are scarifications which are specific identification and beautification marks designed on the face or body of the Yoruba people.
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.
Other secondary functions of the marks are symbols of beauty, Yoruba creativity and keeping mischievous children alive (ila Abiku).
This practice was popular among Yoruba people of Nigeria, Benin, and Togo. During the trans-Atlantic slave trade, tribal identification and facial stripes became important. Some repatriated slaves later reunited with their communities by looking at facial stripes….
Are the above photos not barbaric and disgusting? Imagine the pains.
Though some Yoruba states have enacted certain laws that prohibit the use of the marks. Violators of the law are liable to fines or imprisonment (or both).
In Oyo State, for example, the prohibition of tribal marks is an integral part of the state Child Rights Law, a law that imposes a fine or one-month imprisonment or both for violation.
According to the law “No person shall tattoo or make a skin mark or cause any tattoo or skin mark to be made on a child”.
Despite the law, some Yoruba parents are still designing the face of their children with razor blade in the name of beautifying them.
In my personal opinion,
