I remember back then,my grandmother had this designs inscribed in her skin and when I ask her,she do refer to the painful history that surrounds tattoos and slavery in Nigeria,I do fell captivated by the traditional tattoos that beautified her bodys,but it was much morre later that I began to understand that their are things/significances to these markings.
Then in precolonial era in Nigeria tattoos were an important part of our identity(culture).They often signifies status,spirituality,culture being belonged to or known with,or tribe.Come the beginning/emergence of the international slave trade,things changed,tattoos took on a different meaning.Enslaved Africans were often forcely branded with tattoos which most times bear the initials/symbols of their owners.These{tattoos) serve as a permanent reminder of their enslavement,which often make them feel they are more of an asset/property rather than a people/human.
The scars left by slavery still hang around in Nigeria till today and it(tattoos)remain a painful reminder of this.Till today many Nigerians view tattoos as taboo,a symbol that connotes oppression and humiliation.However,there is also a growing movement to recover and reinterpret tattoos sso as to use them as a symbol of cultural richness/heritage,beauty,pride and identity.
As a person,as a Nigerian that I am,I am proud of my cultural heritage and I believe that our traditional tattoos are an important part of that heritage,and I am also aware of the painful history that surrounds them,but sincerely we really need to approach this issue with sensitivity and respect,meaning, while acknowledging the trauma of the past we should also celebrate its beauty and richness.
I have nothing on my own body,but recalling those on my grandmas skin,thinking about the stories she do says that surrounds these tattoos and what they represent.
This made me think ...should i get a tattoo too,if i do,what would it mean,would it be that of beauty and connecting with my culture or one that would prompt a reminder of the past trauma.
I am still battling with these questions that I believe are complex and are the ones that often complicate the relationships between tattoos and slavery.Still,I believe that we need to approach this issue delicately and with sensitivity,acknowledge the pain also celebrate the beauty.
Lastly,I must say the relationship between tattoos and slavery is complex,showing the painful history and rich culture our nation,and as we seek to understand this relationship,let us be careful, respectful, open and most importantly very sensitive,it is inly by doing so that we can begin to heal and to reclaim our heritage in all its beauty.
There are various entries organized by @leogrowth.
This post is in collaboration with the @tattooworld community and an entry to day 14 of #decemberinleo in #inleo,I am inviting you to also check it out,so as to partake in various interesting writing prompts.
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