A Nigerian woman has caused reactions online after sharing her experience of growing up with prominent tribal marks on her face, which she said were given to her by her father when she was a baby.
Follow Our WhatsApp Channel here
The woman shared her story in a video posted on TikTok, where she questioned why her father chose to give her such extensive facial scarification at such a young age.
According to her, she has grown up feeling unhappy about the appearance of the marks and wondered whether her father had been angry when they were made.
Speaking in Yoruba, she said:
“Supposing i was wise before my death died, I would have given my father mic and ask him what he did my face like this, dont you see it asumming he gave me small tribal mark it would have been better, it does not even have any handwriting he just drew nonsense on my face was he angry he gave birth to me? or my mom offended him because this one is too much, they didnt have mercy on my face at all they just drew it anyhow on my face”
In Yoruba culture, tribal marking is traditionally known as Ilà Kíkọ. The practice involves making permanent marks or scars on the face or body, often during childhood, and was historically associated with family heritage, identity and social status.
While the practice was once common in some Yoruba communities, its prevalence has declined considerably, and views about facial scarification have changed over the years.
See video below…….