Hollywood's Obsession with Painted Bodies: The Misrepresentation of African Cultures in Film

I watched a film recently and was horrified to see Africans portrayed as having painted faces like its their second skin and that seemed so wrong.

For decades, Hollywood and Western media have portrayed Africans with their bodies painted, as if this were a universal and daily practice across the continent. While body painting does exist in some African cultures, it is typically reserved for ceremonies, rituals, or special occasions. This inaccurate portrayal in films and television has contributed to harmful stereotypes that paint Africa as a monolithic, primitive land rather than a continent rich in diverse, modern, and evolving cultures.

The Origins of the Stereotype

The depiction of Africans as “tribal” with painted bodies can be traced back to early colonial-era films and books that exaggerated the so-called "exotic" and "wild" aspects of African societies. Many Western filmmakers relied on outdated anthropological texts that lumped together various cultures without distinction.

Hollywood films from the mid-20th century, such as King Solomon’s Mines (1950) and Tarzan films, depicted African characters wearing little clothing, covered in paint, and engaging in mystical or warlike ceremonies. This imagery was not based on reality but rather on a desire to entertain Western audiences by presenting Africa as an untouched and primitive world.

The Reality of Body Painting in Africa

Body painting is an important cultural tradition for some African ethnic groups, but it is far from a universal practice. It is often used in ceremonies, religious rituals, or rites of passage. Some notable examples include:

·         The Surma and Mursi people of Ethiopia and South Sudan, who use body paint for aesthetic and ceremonial purposes, often during important cultural events.

·         The Nuba people of Sudan, who traditionally used body painting in wrestling ceremonies and coming-of-age rituals.

·         The Himba people of Namibia, known for their use of ochre-based body paint, which serves both cosmetic and practical purposes, such as protecting the skin from the sun.

Despite the cultural significance of body painting in these communities, most Africans in daily life do not walk around painted, as Hollywood suggests.

Modern Africa vs. Hollywood’s Africa

Africa is home to 54 countries, over 3,000 ethnic groups, and a wide range of cultural, economic, and technological advancements. Many African cities, such as Lagos, Nairobi, Johannesburg, and Accra, are global hubs for technology, fashion, and entertainment. Yet, many mainstream films ignore this modern reality in favour of outdated, colonial-era depictions.

Even contemporary films such as Black Panther (2018), while celebrated for its positive representation of Africa, still included some elements of the "painted tribal warrior" trope. Though the film was largely inspired by real African cultures, it also played into some familiar visual stereotypes to create a sense of otherworldliness.

Why Does This Stereotype Persist?

The continued use of painted bodies in films about Africa serves multiple purposes for Western filmmakers:

1.    Exoticism and Spectacle – Painted bodies create a visually striking image that reinforces the idea of Africa as "wild" and different.

2.    Historical Inaccuracy – Many filmmakers rely on outdated research or previous films rather than engaging with real African historians or cultural experts.

3.    Lack of African Voices in Hollywood – African filmmakers and storytellers have often been sidelined in mainstream media, leading to narratives shaped primarily by outsiders.

How to Change the Narrative

To challenge these outdated portrayals, the film industry must:

·         Consult African historians and cultural experts to create accurate representations of African societies.

·         Highlight Africa’s diversity by showing the continent’s urban centers, technological advancements, and contemporary fashion alongside traditional practices.

·         Support African filmmakers who tell authentic stories about their cultures. Directors like Kunle Afolayan (Nigeria) and Wanuri Kahiu (Kenya) are already reshaping the narrative with films that showcase Africa’s complexity and modernity.

While body painting is an important cultural practice in some African societies, it is not a daily or universal custom. The persistent use of painted bodies in Hollywood films reinforces misleading stereotypes that ignore the diversity and modern realities of Africa. By embracing authentic African storytelling and consulting with experts, filmmakers can move beyond these outdated tropes and offer a more accurate, respectful representation of the continent. Make it REAL!

References:

1.    Kratz, Corinne A. Remapping Ethiopia: Socialism and After. Indiana University Press, 2010.

2.    Ranger, Terence. Invention of Tradition in Colonial Africa. Cambridge University Press, 1983.

3.    Ntarangwi, Mwenda. Reversed Gaze: An African Ethnography of American Anthropology. University of Illinois Press, 2010.

4.    Thompson, Robert Farris. Flash of the Spirit: African & Afro-American Art & Philosophy. Random House, 1983.