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African Art       Franschhoek South
Africa       Tribal Art
Central and Southern African Tribal Art
 

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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, as tattooing was not effective on dark pigmented skins.
Scarification was a permanent procedure meant to decorate and beatify the body,
considered artistic and was socially valuable.
 
The process involved puncturing or cutting patterns and motifs into the upper levels of
skin. Different tools produced 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 brought forth society's admiration. Though scarification effects were highly
valued, the procedure was painful. Beautiful and complex designs depend not only on the artist's skill, but
on the 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. Click here for a Video Clip  Often the first scars a
young woman received were on her abdomen, emphasizing her role in childbearing. Designs are added
from a young age and continue through adulthood.
 

 
Facial Scarification
 
 
 
Identifying body and facial patterns easily identified one tribal grouping to another.
 

 
Scarification was imprinted on aesthetically pleasing sculpture. It identifies early
collected objects to specific people. Though the fashion of scarification has fallen
away, it remains identifiable to the society from which it came.
 
  
 
             
 
Kuba and related peoples all practiced scarification to to adorn the body. Shoowa fabric
patterns were replicated.
 
           
 
Woman were responsible for decorating the fabrics with Shoowa design.
 

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 falling popularity. In many communities, scarification patterns are
only seen on the elderly.
 
    
 
 
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