MARKED FOR LIFE: PHYSIOLOGICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF TRIBAL MARKS

Few years back I had the opportunity of visiting my cousin that lived in Kano state. Actually, Kano is one of the most peaceful and renowned state in Nigeria and it accommodates people of different tribes and cultures although it's basically regarded as the home of the Hausas. Now, as a matter of fact, aside from their melanin-rich skin, one specific facial feature that can help anyone differentiate the Hausas from other people is the presence of scar(s) caused by lacerations right from childhood. Well, this has always been their tradition and from the conversation I had with some of the elderly persons, I came to realize that those scars are not just mere marks but there are more like their identity. That's why each of the clans that make up the Hausa tribe has facial marks that differ in style from each other.

Out of curiosity anyone in today's world would want to know why individuals embraced such a weird tradition in the first place. But before you go all judgmental, I'd love to pinpoint that since ancient times, many African tribes have always been recognized by the marks on their bodies. The truth is that it's not only on the face that these inscriptions were made but there were also made on the chest, back, stomach and limbs. Also, tribal marks have never been gender specific. It is common among both males and females. The inscription is usually performed on children between the ages of 3 weeks and 10 years. However, in rare cases where the child is sickly or is predicted by the traditionalist to die young, the operation is delayed until adolescence.

Just like other surgeries done through traditional methods, a tribal mark is usually inscribed very early in the morning. The reason is because experts in this field believe that there is narrowing of the lumen of blood vessels (vasoconstriction) in the early hours of the day (i.e from 5 - 6 a.m.) thereby preventing excessive bleeding. Well, since I don't want this write up to be too lengthy with boring details, we'll skip the procedures involved in this surgical operation. With that being said, we'll focus more on the effects of tribal mark on an individual. But before we discuss the subject matter at hand, it's worthy of note that the genesis of tribal marks are all embedded in traditional medicine. So you'll agree with me that for a layman to vividly understand the concept behind this act, we must first start with the basis.

What you should know about traditional medicine

Personally, growing up in a rural environment have exposed me to a well of knowledge that probably I won't have gotten if I was fortunate enough to be raised in the urban environment. As a matter of fact, the little idea I have about traditional medicine is part of the knowledge I'm talking about.

On a more serious note, the main functions of traditional medicine has always been healing and preventing diseases. So I don't think I'd be far from the truth if I say that both traditional and orthodox medicine share the same primary objective. On the other hand, the only differences between these two phenomena seem to be their concept of the cause of diseases and healing approaches. For instance, in orthodox medicine, disease causation revolves around the results of experiment which is being determined by the presence of physiopathological agents (such as microorganisms, noxious substances in food and the environment, etc.) At the same time, it might interest you to know that while orthodox medicine places so much emphasis on physiopathological agents, in traditional medicine, man is regarded as an integral somatic and extra-material entity; that's why diseases are believed to be triggered by supernatural factors arising from the displeasure of ancestral gods, evil spirits, witchcraft, etc.

Although the concept of diseases in traditional medicine is on a wider plane when compared with orthodox medicine; the lack of scientific proof for its product efficacy and unhygienic treatment approaches is a big turn off for people in today's world. Now, the reason why we digressed to traditional medicine is that tribal mark is just one out of the many surgical operations carried out by traditional medicine practitioners.

...from its physiological and psychological implications, do you think tribal mark is really worth the stress?

I'd love to give a straightforward answer and that's a 'NO'. Of a truth, tribal mark is one unique way of identification. However, the procedures used for this surgical operation makes it entirely inhumane. Starting with the equipment; like I said earlier, traditional mark experts do not really see the importance of sterilizing their surgical tools. The sad thing is that this singular act predisposes the innocent child to series of infections that could be lethal. For example, imagine what will happen if this surgical operation is done on an HIV carrier and the same equipment is used on another person. Your guess is as good as mine.

Also, since the world has become more civilized, even the human embryo is covered by crucial civil and health rights. Before now, most people actually had the belief that they could do anything with the developing embryo and get away with it. Well, it's not so anymore. As a matter of fact if the embryo is entitled to so many amazing rights, how much more a child. That's the major reason why many parents who once suffered from the aftermath of tribal marks frowns so much on the inscription done on the faces of children. They describe this act as archaic and an infringement on the child's fundamental human rights.

From the above paragraph, despite the fact that the elderly see this practice as a symbol of beautification and heritage which according to them should be worn with pride; you'll agree with me that the reverse is the case. Personally I feel these facial marks messes up or should I say interferes with an individual's beauty. That's why they're always attacked by bullies and social media trolls. Unfortunately, no matter how strong or resilient an individual is, with time, constant attacks could create psychological imbalance. So instead of pride, an individual may battle with low self-esteem throughout the rest of his or her life.

The way forward

Honestly I'm really not against old-time cultural practices. But in situations where these practices seem detrimental to the health of an individual, then trust me it's definitely not necessary. As funny as this may sound, so many people can't go a day without makeups because they feel so ugly due to their facial marks. Some are even rejected by the people they love because of this same mark they never bargained for. The future generations deserve to be happy. We shouldn't ruin their lives with marks that will add nothing tangible to their existence.

For those with tribal marks going through depression and battling with low self-esteem; I want you to know that you're beautiful the way you are. Just of recent a Nigerian model whose husband left her and their only child with the excuse that he's always ashamed of her tribal marks got noticed by Barbados pop star, Rihanna. Now, what made her feel dejected for so many years also brought her fame because she refused to be weighed down by a scar that's meant to stay for life. You can read her story HERE.

Finally, the society also has vital roles to play. Like I always say, if we try to show more love than hate then the world would absolutely be the best place for many. Try as much as possible to avoid making one feel that life is really not worth living. And also for those that are passing through all kinds of physiological and psychological effects of tribal marks, I'd advise you seek the help of a medical counselor or psychologist. I sincerely hope you've learned a thing or two from this article. Thanks for doing this with me. Till next time!

To read more about this topic, check out this REFERENCES

The symbolism of tribal marks in Nigeria. Retrieved on the 9th March, 2019
Tribal marks on children: Infringement on human rights. Retrieved on the 9th March, 2019
Here is why tribal marks on children should be outlawed. Retrieved on the 9th March, 2019

Image sources

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