Why do African tribes stretch their ears?

The Lahu and Karen-Padaung Tribes stretch their lobes and wear intricate jewelry in their multiple ear piercings because they believe that the ears are the most sacred part of the body. In present day, ear stretching is reserved for married women and seen as a sign of beauty.

What does ear stretching symbolize in Africa?

The Mursi tribe in Ethiopia practices the custom of stretching their ears and their mouths as a sign of respect. Traditionally around 15 years of age and before marriage, a girl's lip and ears are pierced. The stretched ears and lip show that the girl has grown into a woman and is now able to have children.

What do stretched ears represent?

History has shown us that ear stretching was initially used to show that an individual belonged to a group or a tribe. It was accepted by the group and they were marked as being "one of us". When someone did not have stretched ears they were considered to be an outsider or someone who did not belong to the tribe.

What culture started ear stretching?

The first recorded use of ear-stretching comes from Ancient Egypt, and can be seen in the sarcophagus of the Pharaoh Tutankhamun. In addition, anthropologists believe that the use of having stretched ears originated in sub-Saharan Africa.

Why did Aztecs stretch their ears?

The Mayan and Aztec tribes of Central America revered ears, believing them to be conduits of spiritual energy. While stretching goes back as far as human remains do, the style of plugs and flesh tunnels as we know them today can be traced straight back to them.

EXTREME Lip Plates On Suri Women - Tribe With Bruce Parry - BBC

Are stretched ears attractive?

During the survey, the respondents were asked how attractive they find tunnel piercings/stretched earlobes on women. The results were sorted by gender. 13 percent of the male respondents said they find it very attractive for a woman to have tunnel piercings/ stretched earlobes.

Can you undo gauges?

The holes can shrink back if they're under a half inch in diameter, but larger ones need plastic surgery. Despite decades of the fad, there seems to be little information on how to reverse it. Fixing gauged earlobes is such a new plastic surgery procedure that according to Dr.

Is ear stretching painful?

Stretching your ear safely shouldn't cause sharp pain or bleeding. These are signs that you're trying to stretch your ears too quickly.

Do stretched ears go back to normal?

A stretched ear can grow back if you didn't stretch it too far. Extreme stretching may leave permanent holes in your earlobes. Stretched ears can be surgically repaired.

What is the point of no return ear stretching?

The so-called “point of no return,” which is the size or gauge after which you will not be able to go back to original size, is a range between 0g and 4g for the majority.

Why do people put huge holes in their ears?

Many people stretch their ears so they can wear “spacers,” or earrings with holes in the earlobes. Ear stretching can be a fun way to decorate your body, but you need to understand how to take care of the stretched skin, so it heals correctly.

What does a septum piercing mean in Africa?

A woman in most African tribal cultures will receive some sort of nose piercing upon marriage. The size of the jewelry can indicate the husbands wealth. Septum piercings symbolize strength. Lip piercing and stretching is also a rite of passage into adulthood and is done to commemorate the god who gave them speech.

Is ear stretching permanent?

Once the scarring, the fibrosis, set in, it doesn't close. I know some ear holes close with a scar ... So, for the people stretching their ear holes with the gauges, it's a permanent thing.

What is the hardest stretch?

Can I use Vaseline to stretch my ears?

Lubricants make a stretch easier. While you're out getting a new taper, get some Jojoba oil, Vitamin E oil or GaugeGear Stretching Balm (Neosporin and Vaseline are not good lubes for ear stretching). Lube up your ears and also the taper.

How much does it cost to close up stretched ears?

Earlobe surgery is considered a cosmetic procedure, and is not covered by insurance. Earlobe repair generally costs $550 per earlobe or $800 for both earlobes. More complex repairs, such as required to close gauge holes may cost up to $2000 depending on the complexity.

Are stretched ears unprofessional?

6 answers. Yes. They just ask nothing offensive or scary be worn or scarred into your body. Gages up to one inch are acceptable.

Can nurses have stretched ears?

The eyebrows, nose, top of the ear, lips, and tongue may be pierced. In addition, holes in the earlobes can be stretched and fitted with round ornaments, or “gauges,” which are as much as 1½ inches in diameter.

What are the big holes in ears called?

What are flesh tunnels, you ask yourself. One glance around a packed train or a bustling shopping street and you'll find them: these giant holes in some people's ear lobes. The trend, in which people allow piercers to stretch their earlobe with rings of various shapes and sizes, has been growing for a few years now.

Can you join the military with gauges?

Soldiers are prohibited from willfully mutilating the body or any body parts in any manner, including tongue bifurcation (splitting of the tongue), or ear gauging (enlarging holes in the ear lobes greater than 1.6 mm). Also, stricter guidelines regulate hair cuts for both male and female Soldiers.

What is the smallest gauge size?

What is the smallest size gauge? A standard ear piercing is 20g or 18g so the smallest gauge size is 20g. Gauge sizes are always even numbers and the smaller the number the bigger the earring, so from 18g the next size up would be 16g.

How old do you have to be to get gauges?

adults. In order to be pierced or have jewelry inserted into a piercing you must be at least 18 years of age and have a valid photo ID.

When did stretched ears become popular?

Body modification grew in the '00s

As a part of this trend, ear stretching was increasing in popularity, driven in part by the emo culture in the '00s. More places were offering ear stretching as an alternative to piercing. DIY kits also became available on the open market.

Do ears grow back?

Earlobes never stop growing.

But, like our noses, our ears never really stop growing — or more specifically, the cartilage part of your ear keeps growing (our bones reach their full size after puberty).

What are those big round earrings called?

Hoop earrings, as the name indicates, are large, round earrings shaped like hoops. They can be any style or size, but tend to be no longer than shoulder length. A wire threads through the ear piercing, creating a complete circle.