SCARIFICATION KIT
Scarification started in tribes in Africa. A scar has many functions. It can for example show that you are ready to give birth to a child or that you made the transformation from child to man. They used sharp objects to cut out designs and later they applied plant juices, dark pigments or gunpowder on the wound so permanent blisters would be formed.
This tradition seems to be slowely dying out. They often decide to only apply a scar on the belly so clothing can easily cover it up. Reason for this is the parents don't want people from the city to judge their kids when they move to work there. Other tribes don’t even apply scars anymore. It seems like Africa is becoming more like the Western world.
We might see this ritual as something cruel but for them it’s beautiful and very meaningful.
In order for this tradition to survive and stay alive in the future I designed the Scarification Kit.
During rituals or when out of the city, scars can temporarily be applied on the body.
This can be done by using hogweed juice and a stencil of the desired design.
The stencils are based on Western symbols and are put together to create a family of forms. Every design has it’s own category of meanings (protection, family, wealth etc.).
All of this boxed in a classic, valuable as well as luxurious looking box.
And every important for this ritual; pain is still included!
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