TRIBAL MARK IN ZAARLAND

By: Madalla Kadiri, Zaar Activist

May 02, 2024

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In the past, tribal marks such as "Zhri Vih" or "Zhiri Kar" were frequently seen among the Zaar community.

These marks served as unique identifiers and were often placed on the face or other body parts. They were traditionally created through burning or cutting the skin in childhood. These marks were typically given to individuals when they were very young, often as babies, and were an integral part of the culture. The reason for this is that when a child is young, they do not have a say in decisions.

Tribal marks are distinct markings on the body, specifically on the face, which can be used to identify a person. Culture, on the other hand, encompasses the values, practices, symbols, institutions, and human relationships present in a particular society.

The main purpose of tribal marks is to identify a person’s tribe or family, and it plays a crucial role in the community’s survival and existence.

In Nigeria, tribal marks have become a form of identification among both major and minor tribes. They are not only used for identification purposes, but also for beautification and protection against diseases, particularly in children. However, this tradition is rapidly disappearing. Scarification also serves a purpose in archaeological and historical reconstructions, and can be seen as a test of bravery.

The extent of scarring on a person’s body is seen as a reflection of their strength. These marks are created by using razor blades or sharp knives known as “wulhka” in the Zaar language to cut the face. Native dye, pigmentation, or black paste, often made from ground charcoal, is then applied to the wounds to stain the marks and stop bleeding. Tribal marks, or scarification, are an important aspect of Nigeria’s cultural heritage and have played a significant role in societal consciousness. Tribal marks are permanent facial markers that have been passed down through generations as a means of identification within families, communities, and royal lineages. They serve to differentiate one ethnic group from another and are typically found on the cheeks, forehead, temple, and under the chin. These marks can take the form of vertical or horizontal lines. Interestingly, tribal marks served not only cultural purposes such as beauty enhancement, cultural preservation, and reflecting historical connections, but also played a role in security and served as an international identifier similar to a international passport. In the past, people were recognized and identified based on their tribal marks, rather than through colonial geographical boundaries. The use of colonial borders for identification began during the colonial era when European powers divided and claimed African land during the Berlin Conference. Due to the extensive number of tribes and the time period in which they existed, finding comprehensive documentation on the history of tribal marks proves challenging. Nevertheless, these marks hold a significant place in Africa’s past. The origin of this practice can be traced back to foreigners residing in Egypt during the 5th century BC. Herodotus, a Greek historian, mentioned these foreigners who distinguished themselves from Egyptians by cutting their foreheads with knives. Later on, this practice was adopted by African kings during periods of invasion, as they marked themselves and their family members to differentiate from captured kings and their families, whom they considered enslaved. This practice continued during the colonial era, when colonial masters captured individuals and forced them into slavery in foreign lands. Individuals began giving their family members marks as a way to identify them in case they were captured and later discovered, during the Nigerian civil war from 1960 to 1967 troops used tribal marks to distinguish themselves from enemies.

Tribal marks were initially used as a form of identification during times of inter-tribal conflicts, serving as a way to distinguish between different groups. This practice was common among various tribes in Nigeria and served not only as a means of identification but also for beautification and protection against diseases, particularly for children. However, this tradition is fading away in modern times. Scarification was also seen as a test of strength and courage, with the amount of scarring on a person's body believed to reflect their toughness.

Research on the Kanuri people, known as Kanuri Complete and published in 2017, shows that Kanuri facial marks have been used as a form of identification for individuals traveling outside of the Kanuri kingdom or the Kanem Empire for the last 700 to 1000 years. The Kanem-Bornu empire in West-central Africa was known for its size and longevity, ruling over parts of present-day southern Libya, southern Chad, eastern Niger, northeastern Nigeria, and northern Cameroon in the late 16th and 17th centuries. The Sef dynasty governed the empire for 1,000 years, initially from Kanem and later from Bornu.

The Zaar tribe trace their migration history from the Far East to the present Chad Republic between the 9th and 13th centuries. While there is lack of historical research to pinpoint when the Zaar tribe began the practice of tribal marks, but it is widely believed that this tradition dates back to ancient times among the Zaar communities.

Furthermore, the Zaar tribe shares similarities in tribal mark practices with the Gobirawa of Sokoto State and the Dakarkari people of Kebbi State.

In conclusion, the history and origin of tribal marks in Zaarland reveal a rich cultural heritage intertwined with identity, tradition, and societal dynamics. While tribal marks have served as important markers of identity and cultural preservation, their significance is gradually fading in modern times. Nevertheless, the legacy of tribal marks in Zaarland and their historical connections to other tribes in Nigeria provide valuable insights into the region's cultural tapestry and societal evolution over time.

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© International Society of Zaar Intellectuals (ISOZI)