African scarification to decorate and beatify the body.

African Scarification

The Body Art of Africa

Volkerkunde - 1895 - Prof. Dr. Friedrich Razel LAMMERETZ "Bakutshu d'Oshwe" 1935

In Africa, climate and custom permitted negligible clothing. The operation of cutting and raising scars was common, since tattooing is not effective on dark pigmented skins. Scarification was considered artistic and socially valuable. It is a permanent procedure meant to decorate and beatify the body.

The process involves puncturing or cutting patterns and motifs into the upper levels of skin. Different tools produce different types of scars, some subtle, others profound. Ash and certain organic saps could be added to a wound to make the scarring more prominent.

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The coming of age and motherhood.

In many cultures scarification served as a symbol of strength, fortitude, or courage in both men and women. As a result, scars bring forth society's admiration. Though the effects achieved through scarification are highly valued, the procedure is painful. Beautiful and complex designs depend not only on the artist's skill, but on tolerance of pain. A woman's eagerness to bear the pain of scarification is taken to indicate her emotional maturity and willingness to bear children. Often the first scars a young woman receives are on her abdomen, emphasizing her role in childbearing. Designs are added from a young age and continue through adulthood.

Facial Scarification

Common patterns, particularly facial, are used regionally to identify one tribal grouping from another.

Scarification is often imprinted on aesthetically pleasing pieces of sculpture. It is also used to identify early collected objects to specific regions. Though the fashion of scarification may locally fall away, it remains identifiable to the society from whom it was created.

The art of scarification has changed in Africa and elsewhere. The pressure of encroaching urban values and the widespread adoption of clothing are contributing more and more to it’s falling popularity. In many communities, scarification patterns can now be seen only on the elderly.

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