In Burkina, there is a practice of tribal scarring. And though it is now against the law it is often still practiced in the village. Scars on the face (made by making deep cuts, that are then prevented from healing by covering them with ash) identify an individual to their tribe, and region. They are so particular that the Burkinabe can identify each other by these scars (usually down to family name) and can use them in lieu of identity papers (ie. Passport). It is often considered very special: something to be proud of. Simply put it is beautiful.
If you’ll allow me to, I’ll argue we all have scars on our hearts. While some are scars in need of healing (wounds inflicted by a painful time) others represent people and places that have affected us deeply.
Yako has left these scars on my heart: beautiful, deep scars that identify this time here.
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