Zochoten - cut

I had one hell of a lot of fun working on her markings.  Originally I wasn't going to do the rest of them, but now I'm rethinking it.

So, what're the markings supposed to be?  Well, as I mentioned with the other uploads, I've got several stories working in my head.  When they're still in the concept stage, I tend to doodle the characters while I'm working the background/plot/etc out.  I'd been in love with these wooden figures from the Freer gallery since forever, and so I want to use that inspiration... but I've got to make it my own as well.  So... yeah.

As these aliens grow older, their skin hardens up.  Not exactly cartilage hard, but still tough. Some clans are more warrior-like, others lean other ways.  But, what does one do when ones skin gradually looses it's elasticity?  Maybe if one lives a quiet life, that of a researcher or somesuch, then it won't matter so much.  But a warrior needs flexibility and speed.  So, as one bit or other starts stiffening, strips are ceremonially cut, and deep enough that the tough outer skin layer can't heal back in the same way.  Some marks are for status, or show.  Some are simply practicality.  The more that's cut away, the less protection that individual has, but the greater ease of movement they possess.   

I took inspirations for her markings from traditional (and not-so-traditional) Maori markings.