Tribal Markings

In They Poured Fire on Us From the Sky, Benson has to go through a horrible event in Dinka culture. As part of this tribe's culture the people had to have their lower six teeth removed. They didn't necessarily have to but the girls who didn't have them removed weren't allowed to marry a man with a lot of cattle. And the boys who didn't have them removed were unattractive to the girls. They would say, "You aren't a man. You haven't endured the pain of manhood," (pg. 42). This was a main part of the Dinka culture and Benson was required to go through this painful process. He describes it in great detail and it is very disturbing. They pull out the children's teeth at a very young age, usually between six and twelve, because it is said to be easier and less painful.

The Dinka performed the removal of their teeth not only for their own benefit, but also to distinguish themselves from the other tribes, who would bear different marks and scars on their body (pg. 42). I found this very interesting so I found a website talking about the different scars that the tribes in Ghana had. They weren't only for differentiation but some were for beauty and others for medical purposes. These seem like very painful processes but are a very important part of African culture.

http://www.travelblog.org/Africa/Ghana/Northern/Tamale/blog-243868.html