According to a Professor of Anthropology at the University of New Hampshire who specializes in Chadian ethnic groups, facial tribal markings, including those of the Gorane and Zaghawa poeples, are extremely localized by descent (clan lineage) as well as by geographic area. He stated that it was therefore impossible to offer definitive descriptions of the facial markings that would apply broadly to the ethnic group (10 Nov. 1998).

This is corroborated in Jean Chappelle's Le Peuple Tchadien, which emphasizes that facial tribal markings (cicatrices faciales) are unique to the individual and group, adding that for some groups facial markings are not considered essential elements of the initiation ritual (1980, 14). Conversely, Chapelle points out, the tradition of facial marking is not confined to peoples with animistic religious beliefs, but is also seen among Muslim peoples in Chad (ibid.).

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Response.

Chappelle, Jean. 1980. Les Peuples Tchadien. Paris: Editions L'Harmattan.

Professor of Anthropology at the University of New Hampshire. 10 November 1998. Telephone interview.

Chad: A Country Study. 1990. Edited by Thomas Collelo. Washington, DC: Secretary of the Army.

Decalo, Samuel. 1987. Historical Dictionary of Chad. Metuchen, NJ: Scarecrow Press.

Minority Rights Group International. 1997. World Directory of Minorities. The High, Harlow, Essex: Longman Group UK.

Resource Centre country file on Chad. 1996 - 1998.

Electronic sources: IRB databases, Internet.

Unsuccessful attempts to contact an oral source.