Body piercing

History of Body Piercing

• Body adornment is a subject of archaeological research.
• Primary sources about body piercing are scarce.
• Jewellery found in grave goods makes it difficult to understand its use.
• The modern record of body piercing has been distorted by Doug Malloy.
• Malloy marketed body piercing as a historical practice.

Ear Piercing

• Ear piercing has been practiced worldwide since ancient times.
• Mummified bodies with pierced ears have been discovered.
• The oldest earrings found in a grave date back to 2500 BCE.
• Earrings are mentioned in religious texts like the Bible and Vedas.
• Earrings were common in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome.

Nose Piercing

• Nose piercing dates back to at least 1500 BCE.
• Nose piercing has been practiced globally.
• Nose piercing is well-documented in historical records.
• Nose piercing was historically found in African cultures and the Middle East.
• Nose piercing is a form of body adornment and self-expression.

Types of Body Piercing

• Genital piercing has been practiced by various cultures.
• Nipple piercing dates back to Ancient Rome.
• Lip and tongue piercings were historically found in African cultures.
• Navel piercing has an unclear history.
• Body piercing gained popularity in Western culture after World War II.

Reasons for Piercing

• People pierce for religious, spiritual, or cultural reasons.
• Piercing is a form of self-expression and aesthetic value.
• Some pierce for sexual pleasure or to rebel against societal norms.
• Piercing remains controversial, especially for youth.
• Display of piercings may be restricted by schools, employers, or religious groups.

Body piercing Data Sources