Abstract

The study examined the perceptions of Yorubas' about tribal marking. One hundred and seven (107) Yoruba were drawn from Ibadan in Oyo State through simple random sampling technique (SRST) only one research instrument was used: Tribal Marking Questionnaire (TMQ) Data Collected were anaylsed using simple percentage. The result shows that 70(65.4%) respondents believed that they are for recognition, 39(36.4%) strongly agreed that tribal marks are part of the body decoration, 38(35.5%) strongly agreed that tribal marks belong to indigenous form of communication. 39(36.4%) believed that tribal marks are desirable for beauty while 61(57.0%) disagreed that there are no differences between wearers and non-wearers of tribal marks/while the majority 40(37.4%) strongly agreed that tribal marks are signs and symbols. In conclusion, the purpose of tribal marking is for cultural practice, body decoration, beauty, signs and symbols as well as penning message. It is hereby recommended that the current wearers of tribal mark should feel proud about the marks on their cheeks because it is their cultural identity as well as a means of decoration and a specimen of beauty. However, tribal marking should be discouraged now due to civilization and health issues attached to it.