Indelible, irreversible and imposed during childhood, Scarification is a cultural practice common in many countries in Africa. The ceremony which is to cut the skin with a knife seems to have crossed times without ever losing its importance. In the 21st century, scarify still is an act of bravery, a way to state an identity, a proof of his pride in belonging to a family or a social status, a way of beautify,  and to avert bad luck .

The project "Scarification" took place in Benin from 2005 to 2008. During those 3 years, the Belgian photographer Jean-Michel Clajot has traveled across the country in search of a face, a body, a history.An exceptional privilege, he was able to attend a ceremony usually reserved for the family. Be immersed in traditional Africa or the beauty and strength in the form of eternal scars.