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What is the importance or cultural background on tattoos in Africa?
Africa is a big place, but actually in my travels there, I didn't see anyone with a tattoo. What is common is scarification, where a knife is used to scare the skin with patterns. This practice is fading quickly among the educated Africans, but I have several friends who were scarfied as children. The practice is one of tribal identification. Children are scarified on the face, limbs, or body to permanently mark them for the tribe from which they came. I don't know anything about the symbols used for various tribes, however.
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Ernest Tufft
Expertise
I can help with adventure travel to Egypt, Mali, Ghana, and Burkina Faso. I also have resources for travel in other areas that would be of help to the adventure traveler interested in Africa
Experience
I have traveled on public transportation as an independent traveler through these nations, and retain contacts in the area of interest to travelers.
Publications
Virtualtourist.com
Education/Credentials
MA English/Psychology with extensive background in cultural issues.
Awards and Honors
Gold Star member and Top 100 ranking among contributors at Virtualtourist.com
Past/Present Clients
I have had numerous students and adventure travelers seek out my assistance in planning their trips.
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