Diagram of Yoruba tribal marks…photo credit: This is Africa
Yoruba tribal marks
In Yoruba communities, children are born into particular clans. Facial marks determine what rights the person has to contribute to the well-being of the clan such as leadership. The style and location of the markings determine which tribe the child belongs to. Below are the various types:
Pele
This style is identifiable by three long lines on each cheek. There are additional versions called the Pele Ife, Pele Ijebu, and Pele Ijesha.
Owu
The Owu marks consist of six cuts on each cheek. This type of marking is used by the inhabitants of Owu, a historical city in Abeokuta in Ogun State, Nigeria.
Gombo
Also referred to as Keke, consists of a collection of lines – short and curved half an inch apart on both sides of the mouth. The people of Ogbomsho in Oyo State use this type of markings.
Abaja
It consists of a basic and complex style. The simplistic style is three or four horizontal lines on both cheeks; it can also include six lines on either cheek.
