Delaquara, Niger. Young Fulani Woman with Prominent Facial Scarification, wearing Cowrie Necklace. Facial scarification--the cutting or tattooing of designs or patterns into the face--is still practiced in traditional communities of West Africa. This young woman of the Fulani tribe bears the typical tattoos and facial markings of the Fulani tribe of southern Niger. This custom probably originated in a time when tribal raiding and kidnapping was common. It offered an indelible way of establishing a person's tribal identify in the event opportunities should arise for recapturing victims of earlier kidnapping. The practice continues today because of the force of tradition, because people are proud of their tribal affiliation, and because the marks are regarded as a sign of beauty or attractiveness. .