Body Marks: Make-up in Traditional Kenyan Communities

African body markings

Africa has a rich culture of body markings, which is an integral part of society, history, and traditions. Body markings were and are both temporary and permanent modifications of the body, which transmit complex messages about identity and social status. They emphasize social, political, and religious roles.

Wearing your identity card

In some traditional African communities, body markings were like wearing your identity card on your face. In the past, and in certain areas today, it is a mark of pride, and a major aesthetic and cultural component.

Ochre

The most common temporary body markings included ochre, charcoal and henna paintings. Ochre was mostly used by the Maa speaking communities to make decorative marks during celebrations or to apply on hair specifically by warriors (morans). Ochre would be mixed with water for body decorations, and animal fat for hair applications.

A warrior in his element

Just like this Samburu warrior, distinctive body marks were used to differentiate someone from everyone else. In every ethnic community, body marks told an individual's gender, rank in society, family and clan, in addition to symbolizing beauty or strength.

Eunoto ceremony

As part of the Eunoto ceremony, morans traditionally applied red ochre to their heads. The color symbolises rebirth, strength and courage.

Different preparations for ochre

This is a Muthambi boy prepared for circumcision. His body is decorated with white ochre.

Plant-based dyes

The coastal communities, especially the Swahili, traditionally favored the heavy usage of henna – a strong, plant-based dye that leaves black marks on the skin. Henna dye was used to draw temporary tattoos across the feet, palms, and face as a form of decoration, exclusively for women.

Maulidi festival

Decorative henna body art is also used today. It is applied during important occasions, including weddings and at the annual Maulidi festival.

Scarification

Scarification is the practice of incising the skin with a sharp instrument, such as a knife, glass, stone, or coconut shell, in such a way as to control the shape of the scar tissue on various parts of the body. This Pokot woman has markings under her eyes.

Sculpting scars

Permanent body markings such as scarification are sometimes made on sculptures that can be seen in some museums around the world.

The ritual significance of scars on sculptures

Scarification patterns on sculptures are not only marks of beauty, but marks of one’s lineage as well, and in some cases protection against evil spirits.