In the Book of Mormon, those who opposed the cause of Christians (or the Nephites) marked themselves. Lamanites -- who generally hated Nephites and their religion and often sought to extinguish both -- were "identified" by their darker skins and lifestyles. (Sometimes this "stereotype" reversed.) In my opinion, darker skin tones prevailed as Lehi's descendants interbred with indigenous American populations.
Abraham was inspired to choose for his son, Isaac, a "faithful" wife from among Abraham's own kindred . I imagine the "righteous" descendants of Lehi, likewise, felt inclined -- even commanded -- to wed those who shared their religious values, mores, culture, and genetic heritage; hence, other "Nephites". This tradition persisted, for some, for at least a thousand years.
Those who descended directly (and exclusively) from Nephi (and thus shared lighter skin tones), but who nonetheless dissented from "Nephite" culture, principles and teachings often marked themselves to distinguish themselves from those who yet "believed".
A modern equivalent parallels this ancient trend.
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