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Shilluk Girl bearing extensive traditional scarfication
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Shilluk Girl bearing extensive traditional scarfication
A Shilluk Girl bearing extensive traditional facial scarfication and wearing thick wood-block earrings - Upper Nile, Sudan, Africa. Date: circa 1910s
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Media ID 11587627
© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection
Beads Bearing Bears Block Earrings Extensive Facial Necklace Nile Scar Scarred Scarring Scars Shilluk Sudan Sudanese Thick Ritualistic Upper
EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: A Shilluk Girl: Emblem of Cultural Identity and Resilience This evocative photograph captures the enigmatic beauty and strength of a Shilluk girl from the Upper Nile region of Sudan, Africa, circa 1910s. The girl, adorned with extensive traditional facial scarification and thick wood-block earrings, stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage and resilience of the Shilluk people. The Shilluk, an ethnically diverse Nilotic people, have inhabited the floodplains of the White Nile for centuries. Their unique identity is deeply rooted in their customs, beliefs, and physical appearance, which is often marked by intricate scarification. This ritualistic practice, known as "chok," is a rite of passage that signifies the transition from childhood to adulthood and is believed to enhance one's beauty, protect against evil spirits, and mark social status. The girl's face, bearing extensive scarification, is a canvas of intricate designs, each with its own meaning and significance. The patterns, which range from geometric shapes to representations of animals and plants, are meticulously carved into the skin using sharp tools. The process is often painful and time-consuming, reflecting the girl's courage and dedication to her community. The girl's thick wood-block earrings, made from locally sourced materials, add to her regal appearance. The earrings, along with the beaded necklace, are symbols of her status and wealth. This photograph offers a glimpse into the past, providing a window into the history and traditions of the Shilluk people. It serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving cultural heritage and the resilience of communities that continue to hold on to their unique identities despite the passage of time and external influences.
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