All in the name of tradition: See how a new born baby’s face was destroyed by tribal marks

This is so heartbreaking! According to Facebook user ‘Aishat Alubankudi’, who shared this photo on her Facebook timeline.

She also called on the government to come up with a law that would stop this practice in Nigeria.

This was all done to the little innocent baby because of a tradition to follow.

Tribal marks are traditional facial markings or scarifications that were historically used as a form of identification, social stratification, and beauty enhancement for Yoruba heritage. Temitope Adetunji writes on these and more

Once upon a time, tribal marks on the cheeks of men and women, young and old, were common among different tribes across the country. The Yorubas in the South-West were no exceptions.

They wore their facial marks, which varied from one town, family, and lineage to another, like badges of honor, with pride.

Traditionally, tribal marks are made by cutting or scarring the skin with sharp instruments, and the process is 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 belonging.

Furthermore, tribal marks were also associated with social status and served as a visual indicator of a person’s lineage, heritage, or occupation. They were sometimes considered a symbol of beauty and attractiveness, though this perception has changed over time due to evolving societal norms.