I am now training other artists, creating my own Tribal Markers, and evolving the art form into a social outreach for other Artist/Healers to apprentice and grow the craft. It has opened up new doors of creative expression and a venue to share my work as well as myself with thousands of people and communities.

Q: How did this become your thing?Ī: Tribal marking evolved from a burning man gifting art over 10 years ago into a full blown business. For me it’s a ritual, and a way to connect and heal through art. The style is a mixture of ancient and modern script inspired from Hebrew, Arabic, and Sanskrit. Q: What is tribal marking?Īmir: Tribal marking is an art form and a movement of connection through art and adornment. See more Amir’s work at and, and check out our Q&A with him below: Armed with an array of body paint pens in a fanny pack, Amir roams the festival, painting, connecting, and reminding us that we are unique, but also part of one big, beautiful tribe. If you’ve been to a Wanderlust Festival you’ve probably seen his flowing, intricate scripts adorning many attendees. All paintings have a significant meaning and vary according to the tribe some might be about societal hierarchy, others about religious beliefs and much more.How do you make your mark in the world? Amir Magal makes his on other people’s bodies, through an ongoing art project called Tribal Marking. Others even indicate an individual's tribal heritage. Some paintings mark a crucial moment in a person's life, like puberty or childbirth. Also, people often paint their faces for the aesthetic effect, to look more attractive. In most cases, the paintings serve as social markers, distinguishing men from boys, men from women and many more.

Why do African tribes paint their faces?īody decorations have been part of African culture for numerous years.

For instance, the above design looks like a hand that stretches from the lower section of the face and ends at the forehead. However, the painting’s design and significance are different. The Suri tribe of Ethiopia, just like other tribes from Omo Valley use heavily use white for their face paintings. Suri tribe face painting Suri tribe woman with body paintings from Tulgit, Omo valley, Ethiopia on July 2, 2012.

Fesival tribal body paint