Body Modification: Scarification
By becauseilive
The other day I was over my aunt's house and my cousin said he had something to show me. He lifted up his shirt to reveal an unidentifiable red monstrosity on his back. It looked like he had been burned by several irons. But no! He informed me he had underwent a process of body modification called ‘scarification'. Scarification uses cutting or branding to create designs out of the scar tissue naturally produced by the body as the mark heals. Traditionally speaking, scarification is seen as a rite of passage in Eastern aborigine countries, but this ancient form of body mod is growing in popularity in the U.S.
Scarification through cutting is performed by removing sections of skin with a sharp, surgical blade. The artist uses small medical scalpels that can be easily disposed. The same blade should never be used twice on two different people. Scarification through branding is done by heat using a cauterization tool. The removes skin tissue, forming a burn that will eventually heal into a scar. According to BMEzine, "Scarification operates through controlled injury. It is not safe." Scarification should never be done by someone who is inexperienced or in an unsanitary environment. Practiced properly, however, scarification is considered to be an "acceptable risk." Once healed, the scar will be a pattern of thick, raised lines.
Although the process is quite painful (at least until your endorphins kick in and alleviate some of the discomfort), many people choose scarification over standard tattooing (my cousin included, prior to this he had no tattoos or piercings of any kind). They describe the process as "intense", both physically and spiritually. Rather than being seen as an aesthetic blemish, scars are indicative of a transformation, proof that the individual has underwent a life altering experience; and not only did they survive -- they healed.
[images courtesy of BMEzine + Scarab Body Arts]
SCARIFICATION MONTAGE
SCARIFICATION CUTTING PHOTOS
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SCARIFICATION BRANDING PHOTOS
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Comments
i have 11 scarifications in total, 3 branding (strike), 2 skin removal, 5 cutting and one with tattoo gun. the ones that hurt the most at least for me were thee strike ones when they were doing them and the skinremoval but on the healing period. it didnt hurt as much as i thought while they were doing it. feel free to drop me an email if you have any question or want some pictures.
Love the pictures... I personally, would not be able to sit for someone else to do the procedure, and although I DO NOT reccommend doing it yourself, this is something that I prefer to do myself. I'm in control of the instruments and control the next curve. Although, my scars have never been deep enough to heal with a strong color, I love the faint scar left behind.
I couldn't do that at all...ouch!
wow this is awesome... :)
i used to think it's silly, but i like the way you described it.
i really like the idea of branding and wondering if any one knows where to get a branding in the north east. im looking for a star to be branded on the back of my neck of a star. how much is the average branding and how do you care for it after its been done?
thanks
Those pics are amazing, I have crazy respect for people who do this!! I am in awe of these body modifications.
can this be done in northeast
can this be done in northeast
wow, you'd think that if you were going to have something cut into your skin you'd want something a little bit more meaningful than some retarded hibiscus flowers and a shamrock.
Scarab Body Modification in Syracuse
I really like these. This is cool! WOW! Teach me. Tell me where I can get one. Goddamn!
There is nothing wrong with a clover or a flower, i got a Celtic knot cross with a clover tattoo i designed cause im part irish. My next tattoo is a rose that will go from above my elbow wrapping down my arm forming a ring on my right hand, and im designing more. I don't really respect people that get them; i respect the story behind every tattoo, cut, brand, and piercing more cause there are some really touching ones out there.
This is so crazy but cool at the same:) time
@Lace; different things have meaning to different people. My brother, for instance, has a tattoo of a shamrock crossed with a poppy in recognition of his Irish roots and in remembrance of out Great Grandfather, who died in WW2 defending our country. It could mean a great deal to somebody.
Isabella Snow 4 years ago
Whoa. It's like when you carve those linoleum blocks in art class. Ouch!