Tribal Marks in Nigeria has always been a significant part of our culture, if you study further into

history, the practice of tribal marks has been in existence for hundreds of years and they are
neither peculiar to Nigeria nor Africa.
According to history, tribal marks practice in Nigeria dates back to the colonial era when
colonial masters were taking captives and exporting them to foreign countries for slavery At a
time in history, each clan/village had their distinctive mark and that made it easier to discover
their kith and kin in the event of an invasion or being captured for slavery.
The people who make these marks use either razor blades or knives to cut the face and
they use native dye, pigmentation or black paste usually from grounded charcoal dust which is
put into the open wound to stain the marks, stop the bleeding and to make the wound heal. It
became a form of creativity and tradition, especially the women. In fact, at some point, women
whom were better looking are valued possessions and were expensively married.
We have different types of Tribal Marks associated with each ethnic group, marks on the
cheek, forehead either horizontal or vertical lines on both cheeks. They could also come as
slanted lines. These marks are in patterns based on the ethnic group of their bearer and have
different meanings and different names.
In the Yorubaland, we have the ABAJA style popularly called "Abaja Alaafin Mefa Mefa"
commonly found amongst the indigenes of Oyo Town. It is either three or four horizontal stripes
on the cheeks. Also, GỌMBỌ style, also known as KẸKẸ is commonly found among indigenes
of Ogbomosho in Oyo state. It consists of multiple straight and curved lines about a half of an
inch apart inscribed on the cheeks on both sides of the mouth.
In Igboland, some of these people have incisions on their faces which are not really part
of the culture but a scarification process called "IGBU ICHI" and scar called "ICHI" to deter an
evil child called “OGBANJE”. These male marks always meant the high social class. Those
Igbo men whom have Ichi decor on their face are allowed performing various rituals and give
titles to influential tribe members.
I was able to have a close interaction with a friend who has tribal marks and he told about his
struggle.
How did you feel around people who didn’t have trial marks?

Well, at a point I felt inferior but with time I began to accept the marks. I’ve learnt to accept that
this is who I am.
Have you ever been rejected somewhere because of the mark?

Not really rejected but sometimes I don’t feel confident talking to some girls. I once asked a girl
out and she said she can’t date me because of the mark.

Does the mark make you less confident in yourself?

Once upon a time, it actually did, I found it hard to approach and associate with people but it’s
all different now cause I have accepted it maybe later in life I might consider a laser treatment.

Are you proud of the mark since it depicts the culture and history?

No. I feel majority of our historical background and culture are barbaric. I mean who is proud of
a scar on their face?

Is it good or of importance to use the mark in the present age?

Absolutely not. I’m not an advocate for it.

Your advice to those with tribal marks and are feeling depressed?

They should accept it as who they are.