Rare photo of Chief Samuel Ládòkè Akíntọ́lá or "S.L.A."(July 6, 1910 – January 15, 1966)

Sponsored Links

Chief Samuel Ládòkè Akíntọ́lá or "S.L.A."(July 6, 1910 – January 15, 1966) was a Nigerian politician, lawyer, aristocrat and orator.


The Yoruba tribal marks are scarifications which are specific identification and beautification marks designed on the face or body. The tribal marks are part of the Yoruba culture and are usually inscribed on the body by burning or cutting of the skin during childhood. The primary function of the tribal marks is for identification of a person's tribe, family or patrilineal heritage. Other secondary functions of the marks are symbols of beauty, Yoruba creativity and keeping mischievous children alive (ila Abiku).

During the trans-Atlantic slave trade, tribal identification and facial stripes became important .Some repatriated slaves later reunited with their communities by looking at facial stripes.

However, the use of tribal marks is fading in Yoruba land.

In traditional Yoruba societies facial marks on the child assigns the child full clan membership rights. The children with facial marks are called Okola. Each tribe of the Yoruba ethnic group had different inscription patterns which appears in different sizes and shapes at different locations within the face or body. The location and position of the mark's inscription depends on the tribe and culture. The tribal marks could be inscribed on the breast, arm, lap or buttocks, but they are usually on the face. 

Sponsored Links

Be Careful : Dear Audience Don’t provide your bank or credit card and Cash without any eligibility letter from embassy/company/school or government because fake companies are also working and posting visa, job or scholarships. be careful when applying for any of these. If you see something suspicious, have any question please directly message us using our CONTACT FORM