Author:

Trojanowska, Alicja  Search this

Smithsonian Libraries African Art Index Project DSI  Search this

Physical description:

p. 115-119 : ill

Type:

Books

Place:

Benin

Atakora Region

Date:

1992

Notes:

Extracted from: Hemispheres: studies on cultures and societies (Warsaw) 7, 1992, pages 115-119.

The Somba (Betammaribe, Tamberma) of northern Bénin still practice scarification of the face and torso, although it is less common today than in the past. The incisions were usually done in successive stages through childhood into adulthood. The earliest incisions are facial ones made just after a child is weaned. Others are done on the chest and back during adolescence. Pregnant women are given further scarifications on their backs. Scarification serves as a form of identification, protection and status marker.

Topic:

Tamberma scarifications  Search this

Tamberma scarification (Process).)  Search this

Scarification (Body marking)  Search this

Decoration and ornament, Somba  Search this

Social life and customs  Search this

Call number:

VF-- Dress, Body Ornamentation--West Africa

Data Source:

Smithsonian Libraries

EDAN-URL:

edanmdm:siris_sil_756550