# African Scarification Photography Joana Choumali Remembers an Ancient Tradition By Vasiliki Marapas | Published 2014-09-18 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/african-scarification References: [featureshoot](http://www.featureshoot.com/2014/09/striking-portraits-capture-africas-final-generation-of-scarification/) & [joana-choumali.squarespace](http://joana-choumali.squarespace.com/) Joana Choumali's latest series, 'The Last Generation,' documents the last faces marked by a timeworn custom. Scarification is the practice of making superficial cuts on the skin, which eventually form into permanent scars. People often performed "Hââbré," a means of using the scars to identify themselves among different tribes and villages. It was an [ancient ritual](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/red-ochre), that, with the Westernization of [African cities](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/daily), has since gone out of style; certain areas have even gone as far as banning the practice. Choumali sought out those living with scarification, those bearing a physical reminder of the past in modern times, and photographed them with benevolence and understanding. The scarring is a [distinctive cultural marker](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hughmanity), and one that is wholly rejected from mainstream society, leaving many with regret. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.9/10 - Popularity: 77% | Activity: 33% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Photography](https://www.trendhunter.com/stylephotography) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Scarification Ritual Revival:** The revival of scarification rituals presents an opportunity for cultural preservation and exploration in African communities. - **Photography as Cultural Documentation:** The use of photography to document ancient traditions like scarification provides a platform for storytelling and preservation. - **Reimagining Identity Markers:** The rejection of scarification as a cultural marker opens up opportunities for reimagining identity markers and finding new ways to express cultural heritage. ### Where This Applies - **Art and Photography:** The art and photography industry can explore the representation and documentation of ancient traditions like scarification. - **Cultural Preservation and Heritage Tourism:** Cultural preservation organizations and heritage tourism industry can work together to celebrate and promote the revival of scarification rituals. - **Fashion and Body Modification:** The fashion and body modification industry can incorporate scarification-inspired designs and products, offering new forms of self-expression. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [African Identity-Inspired Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/african-identity.md) - [Transformative Survivor Tattoos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mark-of-life.md) - [Scar Recovery Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/scar-kolmar-korea.md) - [African Culture-Honoring Chair Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kundung-pembe.md) - [Ancestral Pattern Woodcraft](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lost-cloth-project.md) - [Stunning Origami Portraits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/origami-portaits.md) - [Artistic African Culture Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/patewo-chair.md) - [Travel-Inspired Canvas Paintings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-passport-series.md) - [Indigenous Form Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gabriel-chaile.md)