Body design is not strange to Yoruba culture.
In addition to tribal facial marks, there are other marks designed to beautify the body.
Images from: Ẹ̀kọ́ Èdè Yorùbá Òde Òní, and Àwọn Àṣà Àti Òrìsà Ilẹ̀ Yorùbá
ARA FÍNFÍN or FÍFÍN KÓLÓ is a traditional way of making mark on the body to enhance beauty. It could be marks, figures, or words.
Another part of the body that is usually enhanced is the TEETH. In Yorubaland, EYIN PIPA is the practice of creating gap between the two front teeth to create ÈJÍ.
GBẸ́RẸ́ is more of medicinal mark than fashion or identity marks. It’s incision made for protection.
Do you remember Sikiru Àyìndé Barrister’s ÒKÌKÍ album?
Do you recall that the strange woman who claimed to be Barrister’s mother said she had ‘lizard’ designed on her own son’s stomach?
Lóbátán!
