The African continent, often called the “cradle of humankind,” is also the birthplace of tattooing. For thousands of years, Africans have adorned their bodies with permanent symbols for healing, protection, tribal loyalty, and social status.
This article explores tattooing practices throughout Sub-Saharan Africa and the island of Madagascar, examining the meanings and cultural significance of these sacred art forms.
Two Makonde “best friends” who were initiated at the same time and tattooed by the same artist.
The Significance of African Tribal Tattoos
The History and Meaning of African Tribal Tattoos
African tribal tattoos are more than self-expression; they carry cultural significance across generations and nations. These tattoos tell stories about a person's identity, beliefs, and life experiences through intricate designs and specific symbols.
In African cultures, body art is an important part of heritage. These tattoos are believed to have spiritual power and represent a connection with ancestors. For example, some Maasai tribes wear facial tattoos as a symbol of courage in battle.
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Other African tribes use tribal tattoo meanings to define their social status or rank within the community based on the symbols used in their body art designs. Some popular tribal designs found across Africa include giraffes, lions, elephants and leopards - all animals which are often revered for their strength and power.
It’s not just the symbols themselves that tell stories, it’s also where you place them on your body. In some parts of Africa, people will tattoo their arms to signify protection or mark important milestones such as marriage or childbirth on their chests or stomachs. Placing certain symbols close together can even act as an amulet for good luck!
An example of an African tattoo design.
Ancient Practices and Modern Adaptations
During the Age of Exploration, Europeans became aware of the extreme forms of body art practiced in Sub-Saharan Africa. One of these was scarification, a body modification procedure that offered a sculptural quality to the skin.
While tattooing moved underground in Northern Africa, in the sub-Saharan region indigenous tribes continued to practice their own method of tattooing in the form of scarification. The patterns and symbols carved into the skin held great meaning to those who wore them, as they were believed to provide protection against undesirable energies while showcasing one’s milestones through life.
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In current day Africa, the practices of tattooing and scarification are still alive and well, with the two having combined into a process known as “cicatrization”. Cicatrization is defined as a deeply symbolic and personal method of marking the skin in the form of scars, which are then additionally raised by adding soot or ashes into the wound.
Today, modern adaptations of these classic African tribal tattoo designs include incorporating animal imagery with bold colors and lines. For instance, an elephant might be adorned with colorful stripes or intricate patterns from its trunk to its tail-feathers. Similarly, a lion might be incorporated into an abstract design featuring unique swirls and dots for added texture. These modern interpretations offer fresh takes on classic African tribal symbols while still maintaining their original meaning.
And while there has been a long history of African tribal tattoos being used by men, recently many women have been getting inked with tribal tattoos for women too as a way to honor their culture or express themselves artistically. It’s now becoming increasingly popular for women to get larger pieces done with more elaborate designs such as cats or snakes around their upper arms or shoulders - something which would have been unheard of before!
Tattooing Practices Across Sub-Saharan Africa
This article takes an encyclopedic look at tattooing practices throughout Sub-Saharan Africa and includes the island of Madagascar.
The Sahel Region
The Sahel is the transitionary climatic zone located between the Sahara Desert in the north and the savanna grasslands to the south. One of the largest tribal groups that inhabitant the western Sahel region (from Senegal to Chad) are the Fulani, who are variously known as the Peul, Fula, Fulbe, or Felaata.
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Perhaps one of the most heavily tattooed of all Fulani groups are the Wodaabe. Young Wodaabe men and women in Niger often sport facial tattoos.
Young Wodaabe men in Niger with facial and torso scar tattoos.
In the Fulfilde language spoken by all Fulani tribes, Wodaabe means “people of the taboo.” This moniker is appropriate because the Wodaabe are governed by a series of customary laws and behaviors passed down by their ancestors that emphasize humbleness and modesty, patience and fortitude, hospitality and physical beauty.
Wodaabe tattoos also reflect this magic because many symbols are associated with fertility or are employed as charms (toggu) to increase a man’s or woman’s beauty.
The Peul in Benin call tattooing tchouti. Peul tattoo artists can be male or female and the motifs were pricked in with a sooty pigment.
Peul father and son, Yaseku and Umaru of Tampegre village, Benin.
The aesthetics of Fulani tattoos vary from subtribe to subtribe. In Mali, women’s tattooing resembles the bold and dark mouth tattoos of the Ainu of Japan and completely surround and cover the lips in a circular pattern.
East Africa
Among the Barabaig (also Datooga) of Tanzania and Karamajong of Uganda, these “goggle” tattoos surround the eye sockets of both men and women and are usually pigmented. A charcoal pigment mixed with cow urine is rubbed into the incisions resulting in small bumps that delicately encircle the face over time.
Tattooed Barabaig man.
Southern Africa
Further south, many Bushmen tribes of Namibia and southern Angola cut the skin during initiation or when setting out on a hunt for large game. Using a stone knife or sharp arrow head, an old medicine man made a cut between the eyes of the patient and inserted into it a carbonized pigment with magical ingredients that included the pulverized remains of specific animals.
The Kwengo Bushmen placed additional tattoos on important muscles and special substances were rubbed into the cuts to make the owner more successful on the hunt.
West Africa
The Bini or Edo people were the original founders of the Benin Empire (1440-1897) of southwest Nigeria. One century ago, no male Bini citizen of the Kingdom without tattoos could exercise his prerogative of membership in the palace societies.
Chief Daniel O. Omoregie with iwu tattoos.
Among the Bini, any competent person - male of female - could tattoo, usually an osiwu (“one who sculpts tattoos”). Like in other parts of Africa, long and fine tattoos were incised with a scalpel (abee) or knife-like instrument.
It was said that in ancient times no Bini man would marry a woman without tattoos. Women’s tattoos were “blade-like” and positioned in various configurations on the body.
There are several varieties of body markings and scars among the Yoruba of Nigeria but kolo are pigmented cicatrices that look and feel like raised keloids. Women were the primary recipients and Yorubas often commented that kolo are a “test” for the brave to endure so that they will be praised after their painful skin-cut tattoos have healed.
Tattooed Yoruba woman, ca. 1975.
Most Yoruba motifs were derived from nature and featured cowrie shells (esa), lizards (alangba), palm trees (igi ope), arrows (ofa), ostrich (ogongo), vulture (igun), dove (adaba), chameleon (agemo), centipede (okun), butterfly (labalaba), corn cobs (agbado), and the “moon of honor” (osu ola).
Central Africa
The Fang are a forest-dwelling people who live in area of 112,500 square miles spread across the international boundaries of Cameroon, Gabon, the Congo, and especially Equatorial Guinea.
Tattooed Okak Fang woman with “monkey designs” (osó-bom) on cheeks/below nose, “yucca leaf soup” (mendgim mendjà) motif on chin, and assú pattern on forehead, 1954.
In the early 1950s, Fang tattooing was already in decline and Sabater recorded many ancient patterns that were only seen on the faces and bodies of the very old. The Fang practiced two types of tattooing: relief tattoos (mamvam) that were a form of pigmented scarification, and flat tattoos (mevale) that were pricked with a comb-like tool into the skin.
Ethiopia
The Tsemay are an Omo Valley people of southern Ethiopia that practice tattooing which is called do-ey. Elsa Mamo told me that “once I became a woman, I got my facial tattoos.”
Close-up of Tsemay tattooing.
The Amharic people of the northern Ethiopia have a rich tattooing tradition that perhaps stretches back to 330 A.D. when their people converted to Christianity. Many wear the distinctive “iron hand” cross as a tattoo on their sternum or foreheads that resembles the sun and acts as a talisman to ward off evil spirits or permanently mark their devotion to God.
Adinkra Symbols: Visual Proverbs
Adinkra are visual symbols that represent concepts, proverbs, and aphorisms. They originated from the Akans of Ghana in the 1700s or before. Back then, they featured as prints on cloth which royals wore to important ceremonies.
Saturated with meaning, Adinkra have come to represent the richness of Akan culture in particular and African culture in general. They serve as a concise way to convey deep truths in visual form. In fact, many of the symbols have their own associated Akan proverbs.
Due to their appealing attributes, Adinkra symbols are often used in logos and emblems to promote ideas and causes.
Here are some examples of Adinkra symbols and their meanings:
| Symbol | Name | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Gye Nyame | Except God. A symbol expressing the omnipotence and supremacy of God. | |
| Sankofa | Go back and get it! A symbol for the wisdom of learning from the past to build for the future. | |
| Akoma Ntoso | Joining of hearts. A symbol of agreement, togetherness and unity or a charter. | |
| Dwennimmen | Ram's horns. A symbol of strength (in mind, body, and soul), humility, wisdom, and learning. |
7 Popular African Tattoo Designs
Tribal tattoo designs from various African cultures have been used for centuries to communicate messages, express emotions, and honor ancestors. They also bring good luck to the wearer. Here are seven of the most popular African tribal tattoo designs:
- The Adinkra symbol is an ancient Ghanaian design which represents different aspects of life, such as wisdom and strength.
- The Sankofa bird is an Akan symbol which means “go back and get it” - suggesting that one should learn from the past in order to move forward. This design traditionally shows a bird with its beak pointing backwards as if it's looking back at something.
- The Nsoroma symbol is an Ashanti symbol which means “strength through unity” and it depicts two hands clasped together in an embrace of support.
- The Ewe Ananse spider web symbolizes wisdom, intelligence, and patience - the spider being a creature renowned for its determination and creativity. This symbolic meaning has been passed down through generations of Ewe people in West Africa.
- The Yoruba Òrìṣà gods are honored by many African tribes through tattoos depicting their symbols - such as thunderbolts, birds, leopards, or other animals associated with these gods. These designs can be quite detailed due to their intertwined lines and intricate patterns.
- The Zulu shield tattoo has a number of meanings depending on the tribe that wears it: protection from enemies; honor of ancestors; success in battle; strength; courage; fertility; or even mourning the dead amongst others. It typically features many layers made up of circles, lines, stars and dots overlaid on each other - representing shields given to warriors by their kraals (tribes).
- Lastly there is Maasai art inspired by their traditional beadwork patterns which often depict animals like lions or giraffes or geometric shapes like triangles or diamonds alongside warrior figures - all symbols conveying strength, power, resilience and bravery amongst other qualities associated with this proud African tribe.
Choosing the Right Artist and Location
Finding a reputable tattoo artist who specializes in African tribal tattoos is essential. Check out the artist's portfolio to ensure they have experience and expertise in creating tribal designs. Visit the tattoo parlor in person and observe the cleanliness and professionalism of the staff. A good tattoo artist will always prioritize the safety and comfort of their clients.
Popular choices for African tribal tattoos include the upper arm, back, and chest. The location of your tattoo is ultimately up to you and your personal preference.
Aftercare and Maintenance
Proper aftercare is crucial for maintaining the vibrancy and beauty of your African tribal tattoo. Keep the area clean by gently washing the tattoo twice a day with mild soap and warm water. Pat dry the area thoroughly with a clean towel or cloth.
Moisturize your skin regularly with creams specifically formulated for use on tattoos. This will help keep the colors vibrant and prevent fading over time. When washing or moisturizing your tattoo, be gentle! Don't rub too hard as this can cause irritation or lead to pigment loss over time.
Avoid chlorinated pools, saunas, and prolonged submersion in water. Choose breezy fabrics that won't stick to your skin. Cotton is always a safe bet but avoid tight-fitting items as these can easily pull off your freshly applied ink.
