Scholars are still debating this! Some believe they are scarification marks, other scholars speculat
Scholars are still debating this! Some believe they are scarification marks, other scholars speculate represent body paint, since both scarification and face painting in certain ritual contexts was common in many parts of Nigeria into the early 20th century. However, there is no evidence of what kind of body marks were in fashion when these objects were made or who would have had these marks. Whatever the intended purpose to these lines, we can surmise that they may have been markers of identity, signifying a place of origin, status, or membership in a certain organization. Have a question on your next visit at the Museum? Download our ASK app and ask away.Yoruba. Yoruba. Fragment of a Head, 1100-1500. Terracotta. Brooklyn Museum -- source link
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