Nigerian face model Adetutu Alabi is using social media to create awareness and change the narrative of people with tribal marking in Africa.
Body marking has been used for centuries in parts of Africa to indicate a person’s tribal heritage. They are usually inscribed on the body by burning or cutting of the skin during childhood. The primary function of the tribal marks is for identification of a person’s tribe, family or patrilineal heritage. In Nigeria, tribal marks are often practised by certain tribes such as the Yoruba and the Hausa.
Nowadays, the custom is becoming less common and many who bear tribal marks often face stigma in today’s society. Adetutu Alabi has lived difficult times due to her tribal marks. Bullying started in primary school and made her a recluse.
“I was supposed to study law but I decided not to take the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination at all because I was scared of being bullied in the university. (…) “Later, I had to ask my parents why they gave me these tribal marks and they told me it was because of our culture and to showcase my beauty.”
Nigerian model Adetutu Alabi. Photo: Twitter
‘My tribal marks are my trademark’
Adetutu Alabi is now embracing her marks, calling upon those who already have them, to wear them with pride, and stop concealing them. At the same time, campaigning to stop the marking of children, as she believes they should have a right to decide whether or not they want to have marks.
She started a challenge called the ‘Tribal Marks Challenge’ on social media which caught the attention of Rihanna, Barbadian singer and businesswoman, who followed her on Instagram. It also eventually landed her an interview with BBC Africa.
“I don’t have any regret about my tribal marks again since I found myself and loved myself, that is it. (…)“A day I just decided that no, I have to stop this pity party of just feeling pity for myself because of the tribal marks, so I just started posting more pictures of me and then a photographer saw me and wanted a model with tribal marks,” said Adetutu.
