History of Body Piercing

Just like tattoos, the act of piercing one’s body for esthetic or sexual purposes has a long and ancient history among the civilizations of the world. There is no definite evidence that tells us when this practice began among us humans. But there is a lot of evidence that suggests that this practice might just be as old as civilization itself! One of the oldest mummies ever discovered – 5300 year old Otzi the Iceman – was found with an ear piercing that was about 7 – 11 mm in diameter.

Although it remains unclear where and how it all first started, the practice was first recorded some 4000 years ago, in the Middle East. In the book of Genesis in the Bible, Abraham is said to have presented his daughter-in-law Rebekah with a “golden earring.” The Hebrew word used was Shanf, which can also be translated as ‘nose-ring.’ Either way, this practice of piercing body parts remained among the several tribes of the Middle East and Africa.

Ear-lobe piercing was probably man’s first venture into piercings. Many cultures around the world practice this tradition even today. Some primitive cultures believed that demons could enter the human body through one’s ears and having them pierced with metal objects would prevent this. Some other cultures, it is a ritual that is performed at puberty. While some others pierced their ears in order to show off their wealth. Only in our contemporary western civilization ear-rings are considered feminine quality.

The ancient Vedas (ancient Hindu texts which are around 3500 years old) of the Indian sub-continent also make references to goddess Lakshmi’s nose piercings. However, most believe that the modern day practice of body piercing was brought to India by the 16th century Mogul emperor’s of the Middle East.

Tongue piercings were practiced among the ancient Mayans and the Aztecs of Central America. They pierced their tongue in order to draw blood that would enable them to communicate with their gods. Septum piercing is another common practice among the primitive cultures of our world. In fact, septum piercings are more commonly seen than even nose piercings. Some stretch these piercings and insert large pieces of jewellery such as feathers, pig’s tusks, and pieces of bone or wood.

Other types of body piercings such as nipple and genital piercings were also found in several ancient cultures. Some did it to enhance their sexual experience, like those of the Gupta Empire of today’s India, while some other cultures did it for just the opposite reason – to diminish their sexual activity. Navel piercings on the other hand, seem to be a very modern innovation. Although some may argue that the ancient Egyptians practiced naval piercing, there is very little proof of that claim.