Portrait illustration of an Afar girl.

The Afar are a warrior tribe located in Africa’s horn. A few sub-communities within the Afar ethnic group of Eritrea and Ethiopia participate in facial tattoos and scarification. Not only are these scars seen as a symbol of beauty enhancing physical appearance, facial scarifications are usually inscribed during childhood identifying what community one comes from and their familial lineage.

Scars display strength, bravery, and resilience. All genders--girls, boys, women, men, and others--are invited to participate and proudly display their love of culture and allegiance to their community.

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