DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/MSPH-MH14
Defense Date
2023
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Fine Arts
Department
Dean's Office Qatar
First Advisor
Marco Bruno
Second Advisor
Peter Martin
Third Advisor
Amy Andres
Abstract
Sholoukh — ritual face scarring—is a dying art form in Sudan.
Used to distinguish members of one tribe from another,
Sholoukh reflects the tribal pride of an individual. In the past,
sholoukh was seen as important as having a passport for a tribe
member, however, it was not always applied by choice. Using
just a razor blade, the wisest, most senior tribal elder would scar
the face of a child, initiating them into the tribe for life.
As this tribal art form fades away, the dwindling Sholoukh-bearers
have become living legends in Sudan. To honor them, I create
a collage of images of these beautifully scarred individuals.
To celebrate Sholoukh and its symbols while giving choice back
to the individual, I create a set of facial tools that allow someone
to experience the beauty of Sholoukh either temporarily
or permanently, preserving this Sudanese cultural treasure and
reviving it for future generations and using it to celebrate the
diversity Sudan carries.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
8-10-2023