Scarification has long been a form of cultural expression and identity across West Africa. It involves the deliberate etching of patterns, lines, or symbols into the skin, often using knives or sharp instruments, leaving permanent marks that carry social, spiritual, and aesthetic meaning. These marks could signify lineage, ethnic belonging, rites of passage, or social status, serving as living symbols of heritage and community identity.
Beyond identity, scarification also carried spiritual and healing dimensions. Marks were sometimes believed to protect the bearer from harm, connect them with ancestors, or symbolize resilience through pain. While modern influences have lessened the practice, scarification remains a profound reminder of how West African societies inscribed meaning directly onto the human body, blending art, memory, and belonging into a deeply personal and communal tradition.
• Ceramic
• 11 oz mug dimensions: 3.8″ (9.6 cm) in height, 3.2″ (8.2 cm) in diameter
• Lead and BPA-free material
• Dishwasher and microwave safe
• Blank product sourced from China
This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it takes us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions!
Scarification has long been a form of cultural expression and identity across West Africa. It involves the deliberate etching of patterns, lines, or symbols into the skin, often using knives or sharp instruments, leaving permanent marks that carry social, spiritual, and aesthetic meaning. These marks could signify lineage, ethnic belonging, rites of passage, or social status, serving as living symbols of heritage and community identity.
Beyond identity, scarification also carried spiritual and healing dimensions. Marks were sometimes believed to protect the bearer from harm, connect them with ancestors, or symbolize resilience through pain. While modern influences have lessened the practice, scarification remains a profound reminder of how West African societies inscribed meaning directly onto the human body, blending art, memory, and belonging into a deeply personal and communal tradition.
• Ceramic
• 11 oz mug dimensions: 3.8″ (9.6 cm) in height, 3.2″ (8.2 cm) in diameter
• Lead and BPA-free material
• Dishwasher and microwave safe
• Blank product sourced from China
This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it takes us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions!
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