Body Modification
Alterations of the Human Form – Past Tattoos & Piercings to Scarification & Other Practices
May 31, 2009
For thousands of years, people all across the globe have been participating in various forms of body modification. Unfortunately, many people only recognize select forms of extreme body modification, rather than common, every-day forms of alterations. So what is body modification, where it did it come from, and what purpose does it serve?
What is Body Modification?
Specifically, body modification includes any and all alterations made to the body. Such alterations can include permanent modifications such as tattoos, or semi-permanent modifications such as ear piercings.
When it comes to body modification, anything goes. Many people believe body modification refers exclusively to such alterations as tattoos or piercings. While this is true, body modification can also include things such as implants (for example, breast implants or facial cheek implants) or plastic surgery to any part of the body.
There are also more extreme types of body modification such as a process called “scarification.” Scarification requires the person to permanently scar the body. These types of scars come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The process of scarification can be done through superficial forms of cutting, scratching or etching, as well as burning the skin.
History of Body Modification
People all around the world actively participate in various forms of body modification. Altering the body using tattoos or piercings has been commonplace for hundreds of tribes for thousands of years.
For example, certain tribes in Africa pierce the lip and insert rocks or sticks in order to stretch the lip out. Once the lip is stretched, a lip plate is inserted. For these tribes, lip plates are considered normal and can have a variety of representations. For other cultures, lip piercings can be looked down upon.
Certain cultures claim to have been participating in forms of body modifications and body alterations for thousands of years. In India, for exampole, nose piercing is a very old practice.
Purposes and Reasons Behind Body Modification
There are many reasons to participate in body modification. For some, certain forms of body modification are purely for sexual enhancement or physical appearance. For others, it can represent an affiliation with a group, or represent a memory. Most commonly, those who have participated in body alterations are doing it as a form of self expression.
However, certain forms of body modification are deeply woven into cultures. A great example of this is the circumcision of males during the first few days after birth, though it is not commonly recognized as body modification.
When it comes to the various forms of body modification, what is acceptable is determined by individual cultures. A person could argue that body modification extends into makeup, hair dye or even clothing. In any case, the definition of body modification is decided by the individual’s surroundings, their beliefs, their culture, and their history.
