Scarification is a form of body modification using various techniques to create unique designs. It has been practiced for thousands of years by tribes as part of initiation ceremonies and cultural expression. People outside of tribes engage in scarification for personal reasons, with healing and aftercare being important. Scarification can be intricate or simplistic, and carries safety risks if not done by a professional.
Scarification is a form of body modification in which practitioners deliberately scar themselves or each other, using a variety of techniques. Scarification designs are incredibly diverse, from bold and simple branding to extremely complex and detailed cutouts. Like all body modification methods, scarification carries some safety risks, but when done safely, many people believe it is an acceptable risk.
Scarification has been practiced for thousands of years by a wide variety of people. Many tribes use scarification as part of their initiation ceremonies, using the scars to distinguish between adults of the tribe and children, and many tribal scars are extremely complex and unique. Facial scarring, in particular, is a common practice in many parts of the world, and some very fine examples can be seen in the photographic collections of Native Australians and some African peoples. For tribal peoples, scarification is part of the process of belonging, and it is an important part of their cultural expression.
For people outside of tribes, there are a variety of reasons to engage in scarification, just as there are an assortment of motivations for many types of body modification. Some people simply like the aesthetics of scarring, for example, while others see the process as part of a personal rite of passage, viewing the experience of scarification as a major event in their lives. The designs used in the scarification are typically unique to the wearer, celebrating their individuality.
There are several techniques that can be used for scarification. Branding is a common method, along with cutting and skinning. Some natives use a packing technique, making a stab wound and dabbing it with an irritant. As the wound heals, pushing the irritant out, a large, raised scar forms. Depending on the method used, scarification can have incredibly intricate detail or it can be more simplistic.
The healing process for scarification is often lengthy and there is some controversy over the best aftercare technique. As a general rule, for best results, you should always hire a professional who has been trained in scarification, and it’s a good idea to take his advice, which comes from years of experience in the field. Basically, healing falls into two main categories: leaving the wound alone and irritating the wound. Some people find that the best aftercare is minimal, with clients simply keeping the wound clean and allowing air to circulate around it to promote healing. Other people find that scarification sites heal more effectively when the wound is irritated, because this will make the resulting scar larger. However, this can also lead to infection and uneven healing.
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