ARTS & CULTURE

What The Yoruba Tribal Marks Signify And Why The Practice Has Declined

Published

1 year ago

September 23, 2023

What The Yoruba Tribal Marks Signify And Why The Practice Has Declined | Fab.ng

In the past, the tribal marks that we now dislike were once admired as symbols of beauty. These tribal marks are called “Yoruba tribal marks”, and they are traditional facial scars of the Yoruba people in Nigeria, especially in the southwestern region. People used to take great pride in wearing them.

Long ago, these facial marks held significant cultural, social, and aesthetic value. They were a way to connect individuals to their cultural heritage and identity. The various patterns of these tribal marks indicated different clans, families, or social groups. Many believed that these marks enhanced a person’s appearance and made them more attractive.

Let’s take a closer look at Yoruba tribal marks, why they were given, and why the practice has largely ceased today.

Yoruba tribal marks, what they signified and why the practice has declined | Pulse Nigeria

Why were the tribal marks given?

1. Cultural Significance:

Yoruba tribal marks used to have deep cultural meaning within Yoruba society. They were typically given when individuals were young and served as a visual representation of their Yoruba lineage and heritage. These marks were also used to identify people within the community. In the past, when Yoruba communities were closely-knit and in rural areas, these marks helped distinguish one person from another. Many believed that tribal marks had spiritual or protective qualities, guarding against certain illnesses and misfortunes.

2. Social Status:

Previously, Yoruba tribal marks were linked to social status and identity within the community. Different patterns of these facial markings indicated different clans, families, or social groups. The marks also conveyed a person’s age, marital status, or accomplishments.

3. Beauty and Aesthetics:

Surprisingly, tribal marks were once considered a way to enhance beauty, in contrast to how they are viewed with disapproval by modern society today. The Yoruba people believed that these marks added to a person’s attractiveness. Interestingly, individuals with prominent tribal marks were often seen as more appealing.

4. Spiritual and Protective Beliefs:

Many Yoruba people believed that tribal marks had spiritual or protective qualities. It was thought that these marks could guard against certain illnesses and misfortunes, providing a form of spiritual protection.

5. Community Identification:

In close-knit Yoruba communities, tribal marks helped identify individuals within the community. They played a role in distinguishing one person from another in a time when communities were smaller and more interconnected.

However, it’s important to note that the practice of giving tribal marks has significantly declined in modern times. Many Yoruba people now view it as outdated and sometimes as a form of bodily harm inflicted upon children without their consent. Contemporary Yoruba societyhas also shifted its traditional beauty standards, and the cultural significance of tribal marks has diminished.

What are the different tribal marks?

The tribal mark known as the “Abaja” style is distinct to the indigenous people of Oyo, Nigeria. It was specifically etched onto the cheeks of Lamidi Adeyemi III, who holds the title of the Alaafin of Oyo.

The Culture of Tribal Marks in Nigeria | Naijabiography

There are other various Yoruba tribal marks, including “Ture”, “Mande”, “Bamu”, and “Jamgbadi”, each with its unique patterns and significance within the Yoruba culture.

These marks are significant among the Yoruba people, with different styles representing various clans, families, or social groups.

What are Yoruba tribal markings?

The tribal marks were typically inscribed on individuals at childhood through burning or cutting the skin. The tribal marks played a crucial role in identifying individuals as members of a particular Yoruba tribe, clan, or social group. They were a visual representation of a person’s Yoruba cultural identity. Those without tribal marks might have been seen as outsiders or not fully integrated into the Yoruba community.

Soon, incision of tribal marks on children will be illegal | TheCable

Furthermore, tribal marks gained even greater importance after the end of the transatlantic slave trade. They became a way to assert one’s Yoruba identity and distinguish oneself from those who had been forcibly taken away during the slave trade, often losing their ties to their culture. Tribal marks helped reconnect individuals to their Yoruba roots and served as a marker of their cultural belonging.

Why did the tribal mark practice decline?

Certainly, many people now strongly disagree with the idea of tribal marks enhancing beauty. These marks are now seen as outdated and relics of the past that should be abandoned. The practice of giving Yoruba tribal marks is viewed as inhumane and has significantly decreased due to changing social norms and concerns about potential health risks linked to facial scars.

The decline of Yoruba tribal marks can be because of several factors:

1. Changing Beauty Standards:

In modern times, beauty standards have evolved, and many people no longer view tribal marks as attractive. What was once seen as a form of beauty enhancement is now often considered outdated.

2. Westernization and Urbanization:

As Yoruba society has become more urbanized and influenced by Western culture, traditional practices like giving tribal marks have declined. Western beauty ideals, which often emphasize unmarked skin, have played a role in this decline.

3. Negative Health Perceptions:

Concerns about the potential health risks associated with tribal marks, such as infections and scarring, have led to a decrease in the practice. These concerns have become more prevalent in modern times, with a greater emphasis on health and hygiene.

4. Changing Social Norms:

The practice of giving tribal marks to children without their consent has faced criticism in contemporary society. Many see it as a form of bodily harm, and there is a growing awareness of the importance of individual autonomy and consent.

5. Generational Shift:

Tribal marks are now more commonly associated with older generations who received them in their youth. Younger generations often do not receive tribal marks, as they are less likely to adhere to traditional practices.

6. Legal Restrictions:

In some places, there have been legal restrictions on the practice of giving tribal marks, particularly when it involves minors. These restrictions aim to protect children from potential harm.

7. Globalization:

Increased exposure to global cultures and ideas through media and the internet has contributed to the decline of tribal marks. Younger generations may be more influenced by global beauty and fashion trends.

Among today’s Yoruba people, the practice has become less common and is more associated with older generations who already bear these marks. Most younger generations do not receive tribal marks, as contemporary Yoruba society has shifted its traditional beauty standards.

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ARTS & CULTURE

Here’s The Interesting Story Behind The Word “Boycott”

Published

6 days ago

November 9, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

Captain Charles Boycott: Story Behind The Word "Boycott" | fab.ng

The term “boycott” is now widely used to describe organized acts of protest where people refuse to engage with a company, product, or country as a form of pressure. While it’s globally accepted today, the word’s origin is surprisingly interesting. It traces back to a British land agent named Captain Charles Boycott.

Who was Captain Charles Boycott?

Captain Charles Boycott, a British land agent working for Lord Erne, a wealthy landowner in Ireland, played a key role in this term’s origin.

In the late 1800s, Ireland was under British rule, and tensions between British landlords and Irish tenant farmers were high.

Many tenant farmers faced unfair practices, including high rents and frequent evictions, especially during economic hardship or crop failures.

In 1880, a year marked by poor harvests, tenant farmers struggled to pay their rent and had no option but to request rent reductions. They hoped their landlords would understand their difficult situation and offer some relief. However, things didn’t go as they had anticipated.

The Conflict with Captain Boycott

In September 1880, tenants on one of Lord Erne’s estates approached Captain Boycott. They asked for reduced rents to help them survive the economic downturn.

To their disappointment, Boycott refused to grant their request and proceeded to evict tenants who couldn’t pay. This response seemed especially harsh, considering the widespread poverty at the time. Consequently, the community decided it was time to take a stand.

Irish politician Charles Stewart Parnell proposed a unique form of resistance at this critical moment. Rather than resorting to violence, he suggested a strategy of social ostracism as a way to protest.

Inspired by his advice, tenants and the entire community began to ignore Captain Boycott entirely. Workers on the estate refused to labour in the fields, local shops stopped serving him, and even the local postman refused to deliver his mail.

The Spread of the ‘Boycott’

The community’s collective action against Boycott escalated quickly, leaving him unable to find anyone willing to harvest the crops on Lord Erne’s estate.

Desperate to salvage the situation, Boycott hired workers from other parts of Ireland, but they required military protection due to hostility from the locals.

This effort became so costly that it far exceeded the value of the crops, highlighting the effectiveness of the community’s stand against unfair treatment.

The unprecedented event attracted significant media coverage. Soon, newspapers across Britain and Ireland began using the term “boycott”. They use it to describe the community’s collective refusal to interact with Boycott.

As news spread, “boycott” rapidly entered the English language as a term for nonviolent resistance through social or economic exclusion.

This form of protest, now known as ‘boycotting’, gained traction far beyond Ireland. It became a powerful tool for people worldwide to stand against injustice.

Captain Charles Boycott died long ago, but people still use his name when they use the term ‘boycott’. It symbolises the power of organized social resistance.

For more articles, check here.

ARTS & CULTURE

Here’s The Tallest Building In Nigeria

Published

2 weeks ago

November 2, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

The Tallest Building In Nigeria | fab.ng

The tallest buildings often shape a city’s skyline, and Lagos, Nigeria’s bustling metropolis, proudly showcases this in its towering structures. Rising above the city, the tallest building in Nigeria, NECOM House, dominates the landscape with its impressive height and unique silhouette.

This iconic landmark, visible from miles away, has not only stood the test of time but continues to represent Lagos’s architectural identity and economic progress.

As the tallest building in Nigeria, NECOM House remains a powerful symbol of the country’s ambitions, offering a historical perspective amidst a modernizing skyline.

Indeed, the tallest building in Nigeria serves as both a structural feat and a testament to the city’s vibrant growth and resilience.

The Tallest Building in Nigeria

NECOM House, previously known as the NITEL Tower and NET Building, proudly holds the title of Nigeria’s tallest building. This impressive structure reaches a height of 160 meters (525 feet) and spans 32 floors, symbolizing Nigeria’s bold architectural pursuits of the 1970s.

Completed in 1979, NECOM House embodied Nigeria’s rapid economic growth and met the country’s telecommunications needs in an era of modernization.

Positioned strategically in Lagos, this towering building served as a hub for telecommunications and broadcasting and also rose high enough to function as a lighthouse beacon for Lagos Harbor—a unique feature among skyscrapers.

At its completion, NECOM House claimed the title of the tallest building in West Africa.

British architects Nickson and Borys designed it with a reinforced concrete frame that represented cutting-edge engineering for high-rise buildings of that time. The Costain Group, a prominent construction company, executed the project, incorporating a mast capable of supporting the heavy telecommunication and broadcasting equipment essential for Nigeria’s expanding communications network.

Despite its impressive stature and engineering, NECOM House has encountered challenges over the years. In 1983, a fire broke out on the upper floors, damaging offices and equipment. However, the building’s robust construction preserved its structural integrity, underscoring its resilience.

After extensive repairs and reinforcements, NECOM House resumed its role as a landmark of Nigeria’s architectural heritage, standing as a testament to the country’s determination and growth.

A Changing Skyline

Although NECOM House remains a significant landmark, Nigeria’s skyline continues to evolve with the development of newer and taller buildings. Notably, Lagos’s emerging financial district, Eko Atlantic, hosts the Champagne Pearl, a 34-floor skyscraper built in 2017.

However, at 134 meters (440 feet), it still falls short of NECOM House’s impressive height. As the city’s skyline grows, NECOM House maintains a unique place in Nigeria’s architectural and historical landscape. Also, it captures the spirit of a generation that sought to make a mark on the world stage.

For more updates, check here.

ARTS & CULTURE

The History Of Nok Culture

Published

3 weeks ago

October 26, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

The history of Nok culture, which flourished in what is now Nigeria from approximately 1000 BCE to 300 CE, remains one of the most enigmatic in West Africa. Its most notable legacy is its remarkable terracotta sculptures, which reveal a sophisticated understanding of artistry and craftsmanship.

Although they did not work with bronze, the Nok culture is often associated with the early development of ironworking in the region. This made their contributions to metallurgy significant in the broader context of African history.

History and Identity of Nok Culture

The history and identity of the Nok people and their culture have long puzzled researchers. While archaeological evidence suggests that they were among the earliest societies in Nigeria to produce terracotta sculptures, the specific details of their social structure, language, and cultural practices are still largely unknown.

Some scholars hypothesize that the Nok culture arose from a combination of indigenous practices and influences from neighboring regions. However, definitive proof remains elusive.

Artistic Achievements

The Nok people are particularly renowned for their terracotta figures. Consequently, it often depict human heads with intricate facial features and elaborate hairstyles.

These artifacts is not only as artistic expressions but also as important historical documents. They give glimpses into the aesthetic values and possibly the religious beliefs of the society.

Notably, many of these sculptures were found in burial sites. Apparently, they may have played a role in funerary practices or served as markers of social status.

Influence of Nok Culture on Later Cultures

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Nok civilization is its potential influence on later cultures. Particularly, this holds true for the Ife people who inhabited the region from around the 11th to 15th centuries CE.

The Ife civilization is celebrated for its exquisite metal sculptures, especially those of human heads. These sculptures exhibit a high degree of realism and technical skill. Scholars have debated whether the artistry of the Nok people laid the groundwork for the advancements seen in Ife art.

While there is no direct evidence linking Nok art to the Ife civilization, some researchers argue that the stylistic elements of Nok terracotta might have influenced Ife artists.

For instance, the intricate details seen in Nok sculptures, such as facial expressions and hair designs, could have informed the aesthetic sensibilities of later Nigerian cultures. Nonetheless, the lack of written records from both societies complicates this analysis. In turn, this leaves much to speculation.

Technological Innovations

In addition to their artistic achievements, the Nok people are believed to have developed advanced techniques in ironworking. Interestingly, this predates similar developments in other parts of West Africa.

This ability to smelt and forge iron was a transformative advancement. It allows for the creation of tools and weapons that improved agricultural productivity and defense capabilities.

Thus, this innovation likely played a role in the establishment of more complex societies in the region.

Societal Structure and Economy

Nok settlements were primarily located in the central part of Nigeria, an area rich in resources. The society relied on agriculture, cultivating crops such as millet and sorghum, which were staples in their diet.

Evidence from archaeological sites indicates that they engaged in farming as well as hunting and gathering, reflecting a diversified subsistence strategy.

Regarding social organization, the structure of the Nok people remains largely speculative due to the limited archaeological evidence. However, the scale and sophistication of their art suggest a society with a certain degree of social stratification.

The presence of large terracotta figures may indicate that some individuals held positions of significance, possibly as leaders or religious figures. This idea is supported by the discovery of large clusters of these sculptures in specific sites, suggesting communal or ceremonial uses.

Decline of the Nok Culture

The decline of the Nok culture is another area of interest that invites further exploration. Various theories have been proposed. These theories range from environmental changes, such as drought or soil depletion, to social upheaval or conflict.

By around 300 CE, the Nok culture had seemingly diminished, leading to a transformation in the region’s cultural landscape. This transition set the stage for the rise of subsequent societies. This includes the Ife, which inherited and adapted many aspects of earlier traditions.

Conclusion: The Legacy of the Nok Civilization

In conclusion, while the Nok civilization remains shrouded in mystery, its impact on the history of West Africa is undeniable. The artistic and technological advancements of the Nok people laid important foundations for future cultures in the region. Even if the exact nature of their influence is still debated, it holds true.

As researchers continue to explore Nok artifacts and sites, a clearer picture of this ancient civilization may emerge. It would reveal the complexities of its society and the richness of its cultural heritage.

Ultimately, the Nok legacy, particularly through its terracotta art and early advancements in ironworking, continues to be a vital area of study for understanding the evolution of art and technology in African history.