BODY MARKINGS OF THE BENIN PEOPLE AS A MEANS OF IDENTIFICATION

ABSTRACT

This research focused on the “Body markings of the Benin People as a means of Identity". It examined the origin and evolution of body marks in Benin City, Edo State as well as its cultural heritage, significance, and relevance as a means of identification and social/age classification. While this study strongly supports the use of body markings as a means of cultural practices/heritage preservation, it is against Scarification as means of acquiring these body marks, however, it recommends and advocates the use of inking which is more aesthetic, appealing, and less harmful to the body. The research also probed and answered the following questions leveraging primary and secondary data sources: What are the Body Markings of the Benin people and their types? What are the Body Markings that pre-existed in Benin culture? How have Body Markings evolved from ancient times to the present? How can the cultural heritage of the Benin people be revived? What is the essence of Body Markings of the Benin people? What are the basics of Body Markings of the Benin people?