The Myths, Traditions, and Modern Realities of Tattoos in Yoruba Culture

In my culture, there are so many myths and significance to tattoos, but as modernization took place, different machines were innovated to drive tattoos on our bodies. In Yoruba land, tattoos are used to identify a clan or save a person's life.

Let me break it down for you.

Lovers Tattoo

It is common for women and men to use traditional methods like hot metal and natural ink to write the names of their lovers on their hands (close to the elbow). This signifies the intrinsic love the couples have for each other.

Clan Tattoo or Tribal Tattoo (Tribal Mark)

The clan tattoo is often referred to as a tribal mark. This mark is mostly drawn on the face, chest, or hand. It is a simple identity for people who come from that clan. If a person travels and wants to know the place he comes from, they will have to look at the mark on his face or the tattoo on his body just to know where he came from. This is why every child born into a clan back in the day must get these markings on their body.

Tattoo for Protection (Myth)

There are times in the old days when people have still given birth due to one reason or another. It is a common belief in the Yoruba land to always make a child differently who comes from a family that has experienced different stillbirths, and the reason for this is because it is believed that when the child is marked, the child will not die like the rest of its siblings.

All this has been happening before the arrival of the imperialists in West Africa.

Modern Age Tattoo.

After the arrival of the imperialists, the colonization, the independence, and the democracies, a lot has changed, and people are now open to new ideas and information. As a Nigerian man with parents who strongly believe that those who get tattoos will face eternal damnation, the myths and realities surrounding tattoos hold a special significance for me. In Nigeria, traditional beliefs and cultural norms often clash with modern trends and expressions of individuality, creating a unique perspective on body art.

It is often believed by people in my country (Nigeria) that tattoos are a reflection of rebellion, deviance, or immorality. However, the reality is that tattoos are a form of self-expression and can hold deeply personal meanings for the individual. They can symbolize memories, beliefs, or experiences that are significant to the person wearing them. Many of them have forgotten that this has been a practice for us even before the modernization and the introduction of religion.

In conclusion, the myths and realities of tattoos highlight the diverse perspectives and beliefs that shape our understanding of body art. While cultural taboos and personal convictions may influence our views on tattoos, it is essential to approach the topic with an open mind and respect for individual choices. Ultimately, tattoos are a personal decision that can hold different meanings and significance for each individual, regardless of societal perceptions.

All Images are AI-generated from POE. Here are the image source. Image 1 2 3

This is my entry for the #octoberinleo daily prompt day 17. You can know more when you click HERE You can also read the post and know the topics for each day. This is #octoberinleo where there is a topic for every day. No more writer's block.

Thanks for reading.

Posted Using InLeo Alpha