You've been asking questions involving the Saisiyat, so I'm guessing your question is about describing a tribal scarification ritual. It may not be inhumane to them. How about this for a rewrite?
The scarification ritual involves cutting the skin on the face, and rubbing pine sap on the wounds, forming a permanent scar. To us, this appears cruel and inhumane, but to the Saisiyat [or whoever you're talking about], this is an important and necessary step in belonging to the tribe.