status symbol to a magical ward to a coming of age ritual.
The lip labret piercing is used in many African cultures, with graduated discs inserted in the hole to slowly stretch the skin. The size of the disc is directly associated with power, virility, and status. Similarly, tribes in Mali, Ethiopia, South America, and the Pacific Northwest pierce the lip labret. Famous explorer Dr. Livingstone came upon the Makololo tribe in the African country of Malawi and inquired to why the men in the tribe wore lip labret. The answer was a simple one: beauty.
Another piecing popular with ancient cultures and civilizations is the septum piercing. Commonly associated with the “bull ring,” a septum piercing penetrates the space directly between the nostrils. Most ancient tribes pierced their septum in order to promote a fierce or war-like face on their warriors. Individuals in India, Tibet, and Nepal wear a septum piercing, as do many North American Indian tribes, including the Nez Perce. Australian aboriginals also wear a piercing through the septum and have so for thousands of years.
Body piercing has been around for thousands of years, ranging back to primitive people to current individuals and tribes all over the world. Although some body piercing may be controversial, they are certainly not original or new. Many individuals choose to showcase their cultural or native heritage by choosing a body piercing that reflects their heritage. Furthermore, many individuals seek a body piercing in a traditional manner or choose to be pierced while visiting an exotic destination. If this is the case, ensure the piercing parlor is reputable and practices outstanding hygiene. Others choose to pierce different