Scarification - Body Modification

Thursday 29th of January 2009 01:12:33 PM [Add To This Article]

Scarification, also known as African scarification or branding scarification, is an ancient art that dates back as far as 60,000 B.C., when it was practiced by the Australian Aborigines. It is a long standing and significant practice that many indigenous people have associated with both cultural consciousness and community-building.
Based on its name, it isn't hard to gather that the process of scarification is one that uses tool to produce a specifically designed scar. It is very similar to tattoo, and indeed, the lines between the two can be quite blurred, such as when pigments are introduced to the open wounds to produce not only a scar, but a colored scar.

These scars came in just about any variety you can imagine:
Raised
Indented
Circular
Linear
Flesh-toned
Or, pigment dyed.

It all simply depended on what tools were used, what pigments were added and what type of medical attention these purposefully inflicted wounds received.

It was a process that allowed all of its followers, African, Australian, Asian and American; male and female, the chance to prove to their fellow tribal members that they were strong, courageous and had fortitude. Women would often undergo the process as a testimony that they were ready to endure the trial of childbirth. Still others used scarification as a means to ward of evil spirits.

Scarification, much like tattoo body art, has some popular body placement area. The face, neck, chest, abdomen, upper back, lower back, upper and lower arms, the back of the hand, calves and thighs were all common places to find the marks of scarification.

Like tattoo, there are risks, which range from simple skin irritations to the dangerous contamination of blood born pathogens like Hepatitis, HIV and AIDS. So, just as you would carefully check out your tattoo artists shop before getting one, be sure to do the same if you are considering scarification.

Currently, the art of scarification is loosing ground among some of its long time practitioners, but is finding new fans in modern, urban areas.