This article delves into the history and development of piercings, covering various types from ear to nose piercings. You will discover the historical background and methods used for these body alterations.
Ear piercings
Probably one of the oldest recorded body modifications, ear piercings are used for a variety of reasons. They can be used as a fashion statement or as a body adornment. They have been practiced in many cultures throughout history.
Although the Catholic Church outlawed ear piercing during the thirteenth century it was still practiced in some parts of the world that had strong religions. Perforated ears were believed to be a way to protect against evil spirits and a symbol of wealth.
In the 1500s, men and women had a plethora of different kinds of earrings. Hoop earrings were very popular in Asia and the Middle East. Several different materials were used for these pieces of jewelry, including wood, bone, and jade. These earrings were also worn by pirates. Some earrings in gold featured engravings that showed the hometowns of soldiers.
Piercing was also used by ancient Egyptians, who wore earrings as a symbol of wealth. They also used sharp plant roots and healing salves to pierce their ears.
Although ear piercings remain very popular today there have been many changes to the way they are done. Today, they are performed by trained professionals using medical grade equipment. Most commonly, they are done with studs. They can also be a fashion statement or a mark of important milestones in a person’s life.
Today, most people do not have to drive very far to have their ears pierced. Nearly any mall has a piercing shop. Many people also do it at home. Some piercers use specially designed tapers to pierce the ear, while others stretch the earlobe using a tool called a maguey spine.
Nostril piercings
Whether you are a fan of piercing or have never given the practice a thought, there are many reasons for doing so. You may have an aesthetic reason, you may have cultural roots, you may have a rebellious reason, or you may simply be a fan of the style.
Nose piercing is one of the oldest forms of facial piercings, dating back at least four thousand years. It can be traced back to Africa and the Middle East. The practice was also brought to India in the 1500s by the Moghul emperors of Central Asia.
Bedouin tribes of the Middle East still practice nose piercings. Some tribes in North Africa have also pierced the nose with metal rings.
In the Middle East, nose rings have traditionally been given by the husband to the wife after marriage. The size of the ring indicates the wealth of the family. The size of the ring is also a sign of status and power.
The popularity of nose piercings grew in Europe and the United States during the 1960s. This was partly due the hippie movement. The movement was a reaction against social norms and an expression of rebellion. Punk rockers began to wear nose rings, calling it a rebellious symbol.
In the ancient Hebrew Bible, the word “shanf”, which means “golden earrings”, also mentions nose piercings. The Book of Genesis tells of a servant who gave a ring to Rebekah, the future wife of Isaac.
In ancient Africa, nose piercings were used by some nomadic Berber tribes. They were used to flatten the nose or to show warrior status.
Lip piercings
During the Middle Ages, lip piercing was a sign of strength. It also represented the freedom of choice. The upper classes pierced their lips using gold ornaments, while those in the lower classes used bone or wood skewers.
In some tribal cultures, lip piercings are a marriage ritual. The Makololo tribe of Africa, for example, has plates on their upper lips. In other cultures, like the Nuba tribe of Ethiopia, men can pierce their lips using rings.
Lip piercings are also common in South America. People have been known to insert plates into their lips in the Amazon basin. Other cultures, like the Dogon tribe of Mali, have their lips pierced to signify the creation of the universe.
Research by the University of Coimbra suggests that lip piercings can cause damage to teeth. The findings suggest that oral piercings are relatively easy to heal, once they are handled properly by a skilled piercer.
The initial jewelry is typically a captive bead ring. It is intentionally oversized so that it is able to swell to its full size during the healing process. After the piercing has healed, the jewelry can be replaced with a more comfortable and closer-fitting piece.
Some African cultures, including the Saras-Djinjas tribe, insert lip plates up to 24cm in diameter in both lips. The Makololo women also wear plates in their upper lip.
Other tribal cultures, such as the Aztecs, pierced the lips with labrets. They were usually made of gold, but they were also made of jade. Traditionally, labret piercings were reserved for males of higher castes.
Lip piercings can be sore for a few days. To avoid complications and pain, follow the instructions of your piercer. You should also clean your lips. A salt rinse can help to decrease swelling and irritation.
Body modification for 30,000 years
Changing one’s body is a human tradition. It’s one way to make yourself unique. Our ancestors have been practicing body modification for over 30,000 years. While the practice might be considered controversial, there’s no doubt that it’s a sign of human nature.
Artificial cranial deformation is the oldest form of body modification. This involved tight binding an infant’s head. In some cultures, this practice is still practiced.
Tattooing is another dated form of body modification. Simple tattooing techniques were used by some of the earliest civilizations. Others used more elaborate tattooing techniques. Additionally, the tattoos of ancient Scythian horsemen were intricate.
Scarification is a treatment for certain illnesses in some cultures. In other cultures, scarring is a rite of passage. In both cases, it’s a painful process that produces a beautiful result. The healing process of the wearer will determine the aesthetic result.
Bodybuilding is the most popular type of body modification. Many people decorate their bodies to express their personalities or show their social status.
There are many variations of body modification, including genital mutilation, scarification and ear pointing. Most women have ears pierced. Some cultures also practice full body tattooing, which is not uncommon.
The best form of body modification is not the most extreme form of modification. While the practice may not be approved by your local health authority, professional organizations educate clients about the various mods.
Body modification enthusiasts are fond of surgical procedures like tongue splitting and ear-pointing. A few “cutters” are also available to perform certain surgical procedures on clients.
Although the most extreme forms of body modification are likely to disappear, it is a human tradition.
Modern piercing techniques
During the 1990s, there was a huge wave of body piercing popularity. The new wave of body piercing became known as the “golden age of piercing”. The piercing was seen as a form of rebellion against the establishment, and was a symbol of a person’s affiliation to a certain community.
Some people practiced extreme body piercing. This is called dermal anchoring. It is a combination of piercing or implantation. A hollow tube made of plastic called a cannula is used to fit a piece of jewellery. The cannula then pulls on the jewellery through the piercing.
Body piercing has a long history. It is believed that it dates back to Ancient Egyptians who had piercings. Some of the first documented piercings were in the mouth, tongue and lips. Other piercings include lower naval piercings, genital and conch piercings, tragus, daith, conch and genital piercings.
Body piercing has also been used to symbolize sexuality, religion and culture. Some people used to pierce their hearts with extreme forms of body piercing in the past.
Today, the practice of body piercing is more widespread and accepted in western society. The procedure is safer and less dangerous thanks to modern advances in piercing technology. Despite these advances, there are still some controversial forms of piercing.
In Western society, a new subculture has emerged with professionals and artists performing piercings. This can be seen in the rise of pop culture as well as large social profiles.
Body piercings are now a common form of body art. Some people pierce their bodies for religious or sexual reasons, while others do it to rebel against the establishment.
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I’m Gillian. I love piercings and tattoos- there’s something about the way they make your body look that just makes me happy. I started this blog to share my passion for piercings and tattoos with the world and to help people who are thinking of getting their first piercing or tattoo.
I’ve been writing about piercings and tattoos for a while now on piercings-body.com. I love sharing my knowledge with others and helping people make informed decisions about their bodies.
