What's The Meaning Behind Tribe Paint?

[curiousnorway]

I'm wondering Why many tribes paint themselves in their face and which meaning lies behind it. Do it symbolize something? I'm going to say "paint" this time, since some people found the word "makeup" offensive in a similar question I asked earlier. #TribePaint #FacePaint #NativeAmerican #Culture

African tribe face paint

African tribe face paint

Native American face paint

Native American face paint

[ladsin]

tattoos are almost always symbolic and can mean anything depending on the individual who gets the tattoo. Some tribes used them to signify how many they’d killed, to represent their class and familial history, or simply as symbols to represent their particular tribe. The moko is making a resurgence among “native” New Zealanders as a sign of pride in their heritage.

I personally have a tattoo of my family crest along with my grandfather’s name and death date underneath. I do this to memorialize my lost loved ones and to signify my love for my family. I also plan to get some more “tribal” tattoos from my heritage to represent where my family is from and in rememberance of our lost culture (jormungandr surrounding ygdrassil).

Other people just get tattoos because they like them. My friend has two of the houses from game of thrones because he likes the show.

[TheRedLemon]

1. To scare the shit out of other tribes in war or fights
2. To identify each other
3. It can be used to identify different ranks, for example rookies or the chief
4. Camouflage for hunting/surprise attacks on other tribes

[BrazilBabe]

I have indigenous ancestors from Brazil who typically wear red paint along the eyes. It’s very symbolic and ritualistic. You’d paint your face to symbolize becoming a parent, for mourning a death, for being a shaman/healer or warrior like a badge of honor. And of course they all look different.

[Tomblebee]

That's so interesting!!

[AlienChickk]

It probably varies from tribe to tribe. Most likely it symbolizes status, possibly have to due with their religion in that tribe, who knows some of it might just for decorations in a similar way we use makeup. Different styles and colors symbolize something, possibly.

[Jaye234]

It represents a God/Gods during which most use for spiritual ceramonies so they can be one with that God/Gods.
It's a way of reenacting events their ancestors tell of and/or a special holiday, etc.

[ragequeen]

It's highly variable. Some do it do express their ranking in the tribe, some do it for camouflage, worshipping a God or maybe a deceased relative.

[AxisDeer]

It is for distinction purposes to what tribe or ethnic they belong to. For other reasons, it is believed to make the wearer appear fierce, and intends to frighten outsiders (such as neighboring tribes they may have to defend themselves against).

[ATuairiscean]

I would imagine every tribe's paint has its roots in their history - I am guessing it is very symbolic

[Jasmine_IV]

I think it has something to do with symbols, maybe rank or what kind of tribe, or what kind of member. Sorry I'm not really an expert.

[BrittBratt2416]

To let you know what tribe they belong too, but it could mean many different things.

[Bluemax]

Yes, they have meanings which vary widely from culture to culture.

[deathnotez]

It's varied, colors and symbols have different meanings, can signify many different things such as religious and traditional reasons, to scare an enemy or military purposes,...
Approximately, 3000 tribes? .. I find that interesting.

[Aenetoo]

To gain the power of a spirit, like a dead warrior or medicine man. Or during a ceremony if they're tripping on something.

[Aenetoo]

Another interesting question is Why is only the men who do this?

[mark1290]

Women do it as well

[Aenetoo]

Odd. I haven't seen any. Probly for the same reasons though.

[mark1290]

That’s because women in tribes don’t look like the average western girl, and you believe they’re men most of the time

[Anonymous]

Different meanings for tribe or culture. Status, level of warrior, social standing, etc.

[JosyJosy]

Maybe it's for rituals, religion etc. Or to look scary and intimidating, hence warpaint

[vald9inches]

Face painting is very ritualistic and traditional expression of art where they are trying to express the many thoughts they have about your mom

[Anon-ymous1]

Long involved part of their art and oral history I think? I'm sure there's literature on the subject you could seek out.

[Prakbio]

I think it tells about the tribe they belong. It works like an identity card.

[ultimega]

Would know. I'm sure it has some form of spiritual meaning

[Parkwayvwhitechapel]

My theory is that it symbolizes their ancestral spirits and nature and it's elements,

[reapers4500]

They are warriors proven by their leader in the tribe

[BipBipLeddus]

Usually a... Y'know... Tribal thing.

[Montana07]

Google is your friend :-)

[curiousnorway]

Tried to google, but didn't find enough sites mentioning it. I likes to check multiple sites.

[CheshireCat89]

www.face-painting-fun.com/...al-face-painting.html

This site seems to have a light overview. There are so many reasons and so many different populations there isn’t only one or two answers to your question. Is there any specific group or style of adornment that peaks your interest?
Also from your last question, in regards to the thick black “eye liner” worn all the way around the eye, coal has been used for thousands of years as a way to protect the eyes from the bright sun and it’s reflection off of white sand or water. You can see evidence of it in the art of the Ancient Egyptians.
The coal paste lines the water line (inside of the lashes) to keep the light from reflecting off the eyelids wet surface and blinding vision or making the eyes water. This doesn’t have anything to do with traditional make up, beauty, or even gender. You can think of it as similar to the black lines that sports players use under their eyes to help with the glare from stadium lights

[stormbreaker06]

ever heard of google. com?

[supersplif]

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