Ikan Aro
Ikan Aro are two linear markings in the centre of the forehead, located in between the eyes. These are usually inset with iron on depictions otherwise made of brass, bronze, ivory or wood.The use of iron was significant due the association of this metal with Ogun, who is god of iron and metal. These markings appear on both men and women, however are a common feature of representations of Iy'Oba Idia. Flora Kaplan (1993, 59) argued these are not tattoos, unlike the Ikharo. According to Nevadomsky (1986, 42), these incisions "signify determination, firmness, resolve, or even maturity". Kaplan (1993, 59) has also made a link between these markings and oral history told to her by Oba Erediauwa describing the events leading up to Idia (before she was Iy’Ọba) becoming the wife of Ọba Ozolua, whereby her parents tried to disfigure her to “repel” the Ọba. According to this history, the Ọba “sensing something was wrong”, called his doctors to intervene and treat her quickly, and as so she still became his wife.
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