National Geographic November 1966Africans (Afro haired and melanin dominant skinned members of humanity) are the only group who have the ability to scarify to this extent due to our ability to keloid.
This is knowledge many of our people are missing, the truths of our origin can be eluded to in our ancient folklore. Folklore I might add that was & is vilified.
Traditionally Since ancient times Scarification which causes keloiding (raised scarring) has been used for transmitting complex messages about identity and social status. It is the African equivalent to tattooing (And who knows possibly a precursor to Tattooing before the movements out of Africa). In some cultures they are seen as being associated with beauty Ironically if you are darker complexion perhaps Keloiding would be better than tattooing as tattoos can be difficult to see on dark skin.
The art of scarification is changing in Africa. In many communities, scarification patterns can now be seen only on the elderly. Ironically, people from both African and Western societies go under the knife in order to perfect their bodies. In the West, however, people prefer to hide their scars!
Imagine if rather than emulating the west’s tattoo culture we reconnected and redefined Scarification in more ways aesthetically pleasing to us .
