Lines of Culture: The Historical and Artistic Dimensions of Yorùbá Face Markings

Face markings, often called tribal or facial marks, are a distinctive form of art created to be seen, recognised, and interpreted. Facial markings were once a prominent cultural practice among the Yorùbá people of Western Nigeria and parts of the Republic of Benin and Togo. This tradition is rapidly disappearing today, underscoring this study's importance. The paper focuses on the significance of face markings among the Yorùbá, deliberately excluding body markings typically concealed by clothing and less publicly visible. Drawing on oral traditions, the study explores facial markings' historical and mythic origins, offering insights into their cultural relevance. Furthermore, it examines the artistic qualities of these markings and their roles in beautification, cultural identification, and non-verbal communication. Through historical and formal analysis, the paper aims to foreground the enduring significance of face markings as an expressive and culturally meaningful art form.