By James Moses (9News Nigeria -Jos)
Nigerian radio personality and television host, Toke Makinwa, has condemned the traditional practice of giving children tribal marks on the face, labelling it as evil, satanic, harsh and harmful without the consent of the minor.
Although, Tribal marks used to be a widespread among certain tribes in Nigeria before they were banned. They were usually done for Identification and beautification purposes.
The marks are usually inscribed on the face by burning or cutting the skin during childhood.
Tribal marks also are traditional social markings or scarifications that were historically used as a form of identification and beauty enhancement to a certain heritage in Nigeria.
Traditionally, tribal marks are made by cutting or scarring the skin with sharp instruments, and the process was often carried out during infancy or early childhood.
It was believed that these marks would distinguish members of one family or community from another, helping to foster a sense of identity and belongings.
However, In her X page, the actress and lifestyle entrepreneur wrote:
“Today, I saw a beautiful influencer with tribal marks, and it made me think about the cruelty that culture brought us.
“Marking a child without his or her consent is an evil means of identification. I know our parents did not know better, but damn!”.
She acknowledged the fact that her grandmother had the mark and she often admired it on some people, but her grouse was the fact that it was put on minors without their consent.
“Thank God it’s abolished. My grand mother had tribal marks too. She had on her face and arms. I wonder what life was like when she was younger walking around with it, though I’m sure alot of people around her had the same marks, but thank God it’s cancelled (sic) now”, she added.
-9News Nigeria.
