Understanding Tribal Mark In Nigeria, What They Stand For And How To Identify Them

Before modernisation took over, various ethnic groups in Nigeria had their special facial markings peculiar to the tribe.

The tribal marks are part of the Yoruba culture and are usually inscribed on the body by burning or cutting of the skin during childhood. 

The primary function of the tribal marks is for identification of a person’s tribe, family or patrilineal heritage. … However, the use of tribal marks is fading in Yoruba land

From Yoruba to Igbo to Hausa, here are the tribal marks of the Nigerian people and what they mean.

In the ancient Yoruba empire formation, only slaves were known to wear tribal marks. It is a sign to identify and distinguish a slave owner from another. Although the mark is not only for ordinary slaves but one that has earned a status in his master house i.e. a slave that cannot be easily resold.

The tribal marks are part of the Yoruba culture and are usually inscribed on the body by burning or cutting of the skin during childhood. The primary function of the tribal marks is for identification of a person’s tribe, family or patrilineal heritage

Tribal marks served different purposes in different tribes including: identification, healing, spiritual protection and for beautification. However, with the advent of western religions, most tribes stopped the process because it was deemed unhealthy and pagan.

We have identified some unique tribal marks from ethnic groups across Nigeria.

1. Nupe tribal mark

The Nupe people are an important minority in Kwara State and Kogi State. Their tribal marks are drawn with many curves on the cheeks or one vertical strip on each cheek. These scars are sometimes to highlight prestige or to identify the family of which they belong. They also wear it for protection, as well as jewellery adornment.

2. Pele tribal mark

The Pele tribal mark is common to the Ife people but it is also kind of a general Yoruba marking system because almost all the Yoruba tribes have their own version of it. Pele is drawn with three long vertical lines drawn on the cheeks. The other versions are Pele Ijebu, and Pele Ijesha.

3. Owu tribal mark

You might have seen the Owu/Egba tribal mark on former president Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. The marks consist of six incision lines drawn on the side of each cheek and is common to the Owu people of Abeokuta, Ogun State.

4. Gombo tribal mark

Gombo/Keke tribal mark are a complex combination of curved and straight lines on both sides of the face. It is common to people from Ogbomoso in Oyo State.

5. Abaja tribal mark

The basic style of the Abaja is three to four horizontal lines on each cheek of a person. However, it can range up to six horizontal lines on each cheek.

6. Igbo tribal mark

Ancient Igbo tribal marking were more for affluence and social status, commonly known as Ichi. However, later on, tribal marks were given to women too for the purposes of identification, beautification and healing. These consisted of solar disc-like incisions on either cheek or two simple lines drawn on the side of the eyes.