Karo tribe, Ethiopia

Body scarring is done throughout many different cultures, each for different reasons. The people of the Karo tribe scar both their men and women, men

 

scar their chest as a way of representing those killed in rival tribes, and woman scar parts of their torso as it is seen as beautiful and are used to mark stages of a young girls life. A woman is allowed to marry once she has acquired all of her scars, women with fashionable scars are viewed as being more attractive.

The scarring process is done using a sharp knife or glass to create precise shapes. Once cut, the open wound is left to be treated with strong juices from plants or charcoal. This is done to create a slight infection, which will result in the healed wound being risen and dark. Ones scars can be used to tell a lot about them such as their political role and social status.