Traditional and Cultural Makeup – SS1 Beauty & Cosmetology Lesson Note (Third Term)

Traditional makeup is the use of natural materials from the environment, such as plants, clay, chalk and charcoal, to decorate the body.

Behavioural objectives

1. State what traditional makeup is and give reasons why people wear it.
2. Name five traditional beauty materials and say which group uses each.
3. Describe the beauty styles of the Hausa/Fulani, Igbo, Yoruba and Edo peoples.
4. Explain why festival makeup is bold.
5. Name modern products used in place of traditional materials.

What is traditional makeup?

Traditional makeup is body decoration made from natural materials and passed down within an ethnic group.

• Natural materials: plants, leaves, clay, chalk, camwood and ground stone.
• Cultural makeup: makeup and body art that carry the meaning, history or ceremony of a people.
• Ethnic identity: every Nigerian ethnic group has its own style that shows who the person is or what ceremony is taking place.

Why do people wear traditional makeup?

People wear traditional makeup for identity, ceremony, protection and status.

• Identity: to show which ethnic group a person belongs to.
• Ceremony: for weddings, coronations and festivals such as the New Yam Festival.
• Protection: to guard the skin from the sun or insects.
• Status: to show a person’s rank or position in society.

What are the traditional beauty materials?

Five common traditional beauty materials in Nigeria are Uli, Tiro, Lali, Osun and Nzu.

• Uli (or Uri): a liquid from plants, used by the Igbo. It dyes the skin black, lasts about a week and is used to draw patterns on the body.
• Tiro (Kohl): a black stone ground into powder, used mostly by the Yoruba to line the eyes. It makes the eyes look bright and is believed to protect against eye diseases.
• Lali (Henna): a leaf ground into paste, popular in Hausa/Fulani culture. It stains the hands and feet reddish-brown.
• Osun (Camwood): a red powder from the camwood tree. It makes the skin smooth and red, often for new brides or newborn babies.
• Nzu (White chalk): used in many cultures, especially in the South-East and South-South, to symbolise purity, peace and spirituality.

What are the ethnic beauty styles in Nigeria?

Four well-known styles are those of the Hausa/Fulani, the Igbo, the Yoruba and the Edo peoples.

The Hausa and Fulani (the North)

The North is famous for Henna (Lali) art.

• Focus: detailed patterns on the palms and the soles of the feet.
• Eyes: dark kohl is often used around the eyes.
• Lips and chin: some Fulani women wear blue or black tattoos around the lips and chin.

The Igbo (the South-East)

The Igbo are known for Uli body art.

• Focus: shapes that look like leaves, coils or geometric lines drawn on the body.
• Beads: heavy coral beads around the neck, wrists and ankles complete the look.

The Yoruba (the South-West)

The Yoruba focus on the eyes and the face.

• Eyes: deep black eye lining (Tiro).
• Tribal marks (Ila): cut marks on the face, used for identification and beauty.
• Festivals: Osun (red camwood) may be applied to the skin.

The Edo and the South-South

The Edo people are known as the “Royalty of Beads”.

• Face: kept clean and clear.
• Hair: built into a crown (Okuku) with coral beads.
• White chalk: applied to the forehead or arms for some spiritual festivals.

What is festival makeup?

Festival makeup is bold body and face decoration worn by performers at big cultural events such as the Argungu Fishing Festival, Eyo Festival and Calabar Carnival.

• Bold and loud: performers are outside and far from the audience, so colours must be very bright.
• Body painting: the whole body is sometimes painted with white, red or yellow clay to represent spirits or ancestors.
• The Gele (head-tie): at many festivals the look is not complete without a well-tied Gele, which frames the face.

How does modern makeup compare with traditional makeup?

Traditional makeup is made from natural materials, while modern makeup is made in factories and sold as ready-to-use products.

• Tribal fusion: many modern brides want a traditional look but use modern products.
• Why replace: modern products are quick to apply and easy to wash off.

How should a beauty student respect cultural makeup?

A beauty student respects cultural makeup by learning its meaning and applying it correctly.

• Connection: a client who asks for a “Traditional Look” wants to connect with their roots.
• Ask first: find out the client’s ethnic group.
• Do not mix styles: never use a Hausa style for an Igbo bride.

Class practical activity

The practical lets students practise traditional patterns and safe eye lining.

1. Pattern practice: use black eye pencils and paper to draw Uli patterns (coils and triangles).
2. Henna designs: draw Henna designs (flowers and dots) on paper.
3. The “Tiro” test: practise lining the waterline of the eye safely, without making the eyes tear up.

Evaluation

1. What is traditional makeup?
2. Give four reasons why people wear traditional makeup.
3. Which group is known for Uli body art, and which group is famous for henna (Lali)?
4. Why must festival makeup be bold and bright?
5. Name the modern product used instead of Tiro.

Assignment

Choose one ethnic group from this lesson. Name the traditional beauty materials it uses and describe its beauty style in not more than six sentences.