Abstract

Body marking is one of the oldest traditions in indigenous ethnic groups and is viewed today as one of the simplest ways to associate an individual with a unique identity, whether for identification, beautification, or religious inclinations. However, in recent times, the practice of body marking has dwindled due to the advocacy for human rights and the condemnation of practices considered 'inhumane'. Body markings for religious purposes, though still deemed necessary, are also rapidly declining due to contemporary concepts and modern philosophies regarding faith, religion, and belief. This study focuses on documenting the marks identified as those used for religious purposes among the indigenous Ga people. The research specifically targets the indigenous Ga of Ghana and employs a qualitative research approach to facilitate data collection and interpretation. The findings reveal that body marking among the Ga serves not only as a physical expression of individual beliefs but also as a means of perpetuating a tradition that fosters faith and belief.

Key words: Body marks, belief, religion, tradition, myth, deity, culture, history.