"EW!" I bet that's what some of you are thinking, but wait, it's actually nothing new! In fact, as I was researching on the internet, I was shocked to find out that this form of art which involves scratching, etching, or some sort of superficial cutting or incision has been going on since generations ago.
For example, in the past, it was commonly practiced by the Australian Aboriginals and tribes in New Guinea to be used to denote the emotional state of the wearer of scars. Branding (a form of scarification where the skin is burnt) was done to mark slaves in the past as well. Closer to Asia in New Zealand, the Maori tribes used "moko" or facial tattoos, (a form of scarification where ink is rubbed ) which would "clothe" the bodies of those who belonged to this tribe. In Africa, by performing scarification on a child, it would be the deterrence of illnesses that have to do with vision. Scarification was also used in Africa as a form of communication culturally and for their religion. Take a look at the picture below - it was taken by Herbert Hoover of Presidential Library, West Branch, Iowa.
Personally, the thought of scarification scares me. I can't imagine digging into my skin and peeling parts out for the sake of aesthetic beauty. I truly cannot understand why anyone would torture themselves with pain, in order to have "beautiful scars" on them. Beautiful scars - that to me is already an irony. So the question I keep asking myself as I view picture after picture, read articles on this, is "What is it about scarification that one is able to bear with the pain?"
In the past, it would be a cultural thing that they had to do, in order to be accepted into their society. Therefore, the reason to scarify oneself would also be one of perception and belief. As I had mentioned above in Africa, they believe that by scarify-ing a child, it would be preventing vision illnesses. Therefore, with that thought in mind, they would, despite the pain, press on knowing the eventual result of preventing vision illnesses which could, in their opinions, be worse than scratching their child and seeing them in pain.
For modern people, it could be for art or aesthetic reasons, or for all you know, religious reason. Whatever the reason, I guess perhaps in time to come, when scarification becomes more rampant, like tattoos are now, people like me would be more open to the thought of scarification.
After all, I believe it is the environment that one is brought up with that will ultimately in turn shape his or her perception.
Scarification - pain or gain?
12 comments:
To me ,true gain is through true pain.
One can see pain as a negative emotion but I see it as a positive one.A very strong catalyst for someone to take good hard look at themselves and change.
Interestingly ,enough I have actually been considering these past few days on getting a scarification tattoo on my arm.Why?I certainly do not enjoy pain but I understand how it can bring about a very spiritual experience sometimes.And I think its quite obvious to many people that emotional pain cuts deeper than mere physical pain.
I think for many people,tattoos and especially scarification mark a sort of rite of passage for some people.A transition to manhood,a start of a new life or even something sublime,powerful and religiously spiritual as the Passion of Christ.
Many people who have gone through scarification often report feeling "changed" in a positive way.
Personally,I think it looks badass as well =P
Scarification is sensational; one look at a scarified person and is instantly inundated by emotions, whether positive or negative. I personally find that the image of scarified flesh gives me tingles and a "weak in the knees" feeling. I wouldn't go so far as to say it's revolting to the point of being gag-worthy, but it suffices a response similar to hearing chalk scrape across a blackboard or a knife grating against porcelain.
Well, enough of waxing lyrical. Scarification can be employed as a model for social education - maybe about stereotyping and bigotry. The typical labels of a scarified person are "bizarre", "unorthodox", "gothic" or even "deviant". Little do we know about their cultural affinities or even social obligations. So don't make judgments.
Like you say, something like this evokes perceptions varying across the spectrum. It really depends on what you value.
ouch. and.. ouch.
To each his own i guess..
If you think about it, some people think of tattoo as art while other think of it as needles poking in to skin. Similarly, some types of people have symbols burnt onto their skin and even undergo a painful rite of having full body designs tattooed on their body without anesthetic because their beliefs lead them to do so. Likewise, sacrification tattoos can mean different things to different people. So, who are we to judge right?
I believe the scarification will catch on in the future...we just need some major celebritiy to "endorse" it.
Scarifications, like tattoos and piercings, could be things that people do to themselves to show off their personal identity. I might not understand why some would want to dig into their skins and leave some mark there (argh painful!), but I am sure people who likes such things did attach some personal meaning to it. And as outsiders, as long as they are find with it, I cannot judge them for it.
Holy crap! Now I feel scarred for life. To me, physical mutilation of one's body (yes, scarification counts as mutilation for me) is unthinkable. I would want to keep my body as pristine and clean as can be. And I cannot stand pain no matter for what reason.
I suppose it's because I cannot understand why people would want to scar themselves that leads to this mindset that I have. This is a true example of cultural barriers and differences in beliefs.
Isnt this abit like getting a tattoo. in fact i think that its almost the same as getting a tattoo. the only difference is the coloring. well i personally think that scarring ones body is not a very "Cool" thing to do.
You would never see me getting one.. unless i either really drunk or dead!
for me I want to get a scar or to me a "brand" of a bear's paw. This to me would symbolize the physical, emotional, psychological pains that I've been able to experience. The pain itself would be a release from the pain that I have experienced. Not erase it but to signify that it's all has a purpose. The location is that it would be over left pectoral. I want it there so that no one will see it, unless I want them to. I'm aware that people would find it disgusting, and horrifying. So I'm hoping to find out how, where, and how much it would be. Thanks you so much for you blog!!! :) have a wonderful day!!!
It's interesting to see how one views tatoos or scarification. For some it is out of fun, others experience, and yet for another group, the sense of pain is a form of relief? I guess I never really thought that a simple act could mean so much to someone else..
Sometimes no pain no gain.. haha..
But this is abit gross.. Tattoos are already like something which is permanent on yr skin. Scaring is a bit scary. I mean it will be very very painful. but i still think its a stupid thing to do.
Ruining the beautiful body that its given to u. haiz.
I feel its a stupid thing to do.
peace out!!!
oh oh , grey area here. some do it in the name of art or whatever. i'm not for it at all. i totally agree with gab that getting a tattoo is a STUPID thing to do.
What does pain and beauty have in common?. To an obvious person, NONE. However, in most tribes in Africa, most people, namely females believe that 'battle scars' signifies beauty. Beauty, comes in different forms. Scars, long neck and even very tiny foots.
In the 21st Century, people are spending money on plastic surgery to look pretty. What has the world become to now?... People have fought and died in the name of beauty. To sacrifice your true self? Or to sacrifice your entire existance?. That is... the Question
i wont say getting a tattoo is stupid.. i think there has to be a reason or a story behind it. if its just to look cool then thats pretty damn lame.
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