Tribal Marks Of Nigerian People And What They Depict

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 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

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

Former president Chief Olusegun Obasanjo

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

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.

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.