The art of body modification has been known to date back around 3000 B.C. The way it has been practiced all over the world has either evolved or stayed true to the old time traditions but depends on what culture you look into. Most cultures have evolved with the type of tools they use to modify their bodies whereas, in some cases, some places/cultures still use the body modification methods that their great ancestors used.    The different types of body modification depend on where you live in the world; perspectives are also either more biased or objective. In some places,things such as piercings and tattoos are viewed in more  of a cultural aspect whereas  in locations, such as the US, people often sometimes see them more as cosmetic practices.While body modification is practiced in different fashions around the world, this article focuses mainly on the differences between the acts of body modification in Africa and the U.S. [2]

Body modification has been known to be around since ancient times. The first known record of body modification was found from 3000 B.C where a man frozen in ice was discovered with over 40 tattoos all over his body; it has not been stated on how the tattoos were applied to the skin.[3] As time goes on, more and more discoveries of body modifications continue to be found. In America today, there’s a wide variety of different ways that people modify their bodies.

Tattoos and piercings are the most common form of modification in the United States. A more contemporary form of alteration that’s become rather popular in the U.S. is reconstructive surgery. While this isn’t likely to be considered by many as a ‘’cultural’’ practice like tattoos and piercings, in a society where so many people value ‘’perfection’’ and people all seem to be chasing standards set by models and actors, future anthropologists will probably look at American plastic surgery practices in the same way we now look at more traditional practices of tattooing and piercing the body. According to the National Geographic documentary on body modification[1]( Body Modification by National Geographic), it’s stated that ‘’sometimes, body modification is either a quest for perfection or an extreme obsession’’. Over the last decade or so, new types of alterations to the body, like reconstructive surgery, have been brought into light. Things such as implants to the face to give the illusion of horns, corsets made with the skin and gauging of the face have become more of a common thing around the US and continue to rise. To some, these things might seem utterly ridiculous, but to others, it’s a form of expressing themselves.  [6]
   

In contrast to American practices, the common ways of altering the body In Africa Could seem a lot more extreme. Into the 19th century, African tribes were seen with their skin scarred into a various shapes and patterns that were known as ‘Scarification’.[4][3] This was usually done on very young children and while the process might have been incredibly painful, the culture demanded that the child  who was undergoing modification was to remain completely still throughout the entire process.  This was very common amongst the tribes as a right of passage from childhood to adulthood according to Michael A. Harris, the creator of the ‘Timeline: Body Modification’. Also, if a woman was to have the scarring on her stomach, it meant that she wanted to be a mother.

Another way they were expressing their culture is the women of the Mursi tribe, who were young when the modification is done, put large circular shaped plate into the lower lip. .   There’s a lot of controversy on what they signify, some say it’s to make the women less attractive to slave traders, others say it’s a source of self-esteem and the size of it determines a woman's bridewealth; there isn’t a definite answer on what the plates/plugs truly imply besides being a part of the Mursi culture and tribe.  This identifies the complex issues of the Mursi culture since slavery and selling of humans is still an ongoing issue throughout the country of Africa.Since the economy is on the poorer side of Africa, the Omo Valley, they also have a higher risk of infection on the scarifications and lip plates.

In conclusion, the acceptance of body modification depends on where you reside. Everyone has their own personal opinion on the art of body modification. Some see it as cultural while others see it as permanently changing the body, and views it negatively. While there is a lot of controversy regarding body modification in this country, I believe in a way body modification  it also can brings people together. The act of permanently marking the skin or adding holes to the body takes a lot courage. People who modify their bodies in some way tend to seek out others and share their markings and experiences. No matter where in the world a person is from, a body modifying mark usually signifies something important to the person and is something they’re happy to share with others. [5]

 
         Body Modification in the 21st century
                                 ‘’Body Modification does not change character’’

In this day and age, body modification has grown to become rather popular. Often, piercings and tattoos are seen on youth more than they are seen on the aging. It is common for people my age, teenagers, to have a piercing(even a few tattoos). It has become more socially acceptable to be walking around with your skin permanently designed or a piece of metal that has been pierced through your skin than it was about 20-30 years ago.

Many ask the question on whether or not this is a shift in our culture or a blast from the way past but just more modernized. In this time period, older generations of people tend to look at certain types of body modification, such as piercings and tattoos, as acts of rebellion. There are people who even consider tattoos to be affiliated with gang members, or ex-convicts.  Tattoos are now considered an art form; symbolic art even. Many people get tattoos to commemorate a milestone in their lives, remember their heritages, create something that can’t be expressed verbally or even remembering a loved one who has passed. There is instances where people just get tattoos for the sake of it but usually there’s meaning behind a tattoo someone gets. [8]

Things such as cosmetic surgery, plastic surgery and botox have also come into light over the past 10-20 years. You’ll see many celebrities who change their appearance over the years/also try to preserve their younger years through multiple surgeries and injections. Celebrities such as Joan Rivers, Megan Fox and Lindsay Lohan have all undergone the ‘knife’, persay, and the changes of their appearance range from not too noticeable to almost becoming unrecognizable to who they were before the modification.

These role models have an influence on the younger generations. Things such as the media, models, magazines, and commercials have drastically changed in the past few decades. These types of medias tend to have a negative influence on said younger generations. The idea that you have to look a certain way to be ‘perfect’ has been something all teenagers around the world seem to struggle with.[9]

As time goes on, the art of body modification will only grow more and more advanced; the technology as well. Everyone has their own views on how body modification looks on a person, but if the individual is happy with themselves, your opinion doesn’t matter to them. Do what makes you happy and don’t ruin other people’s happiness.

       My experience with body modification

I know for a fact that parents don’t enjoy seeing their children with these modifications done; many don’t allow it until their kids are legal adults and are able to make decisions for themselves. In my own experience, I have grown up surrounded by people who modified their bodies, I was influenced and had always dreamed of getting a piercing whenI became older When I turned 14, I made the decision of piercing my own bottom lip and sticking a stud in place of the needle. This piercing lasted about 3 days. Unlike any piercing in an area easily to hide, this piercing was impossible to keep invisible from my parents. I had no luck of trying to hide this one without looking suspicious.

My mom, who wasn’t too angry about the choice I had made, decided to make me an offer she knew I couldn’t resist. She nicely told me she didn't like the look of my pierced lip, but she would be happy to allow a nose piercing if I agreed to take the lip piercing out. I jumped at this opportunity because I knew it was a one time offer. I took good care of my new responsibility and still have it in good condition to this day.

I would constantly get stares from passing adults and on occasion, comments from judgemental beings, stating how I was too young. This aggravated me a lot because I didn’t understand how people could get upset with what I chose to do with my own body. This was also a topic of multiple arguments I had with my parents prior to my first piercing.  I would constantly beg them to be able to pierce my nose. That usually ended in a ‘NO!’, a few tears and their argument would mainly consist of ‘you’re too young to make big decisions like that’ or ‘ it’s a big responsibility and a lot of things can go wrong, such as infections.’ After getting my first piercing, I realized it was a big responsibility. Making sure your skin was always clean and sterile as possible. Also, the realization that this mark would stay with you all throughout your life definitely set in after some time.

A year passed and my best friend,Isabella,and I had been wanting a navel piercing as early as the 6th grade. My best friend actually ended up getting her’s in the 7th grade, but I was too scared of the consequences my parents would have had for me if they found out. In spring break 2014, I went to a tattoo shop with 3 of my closest friends and got it pierced. Looking back at this decision, I realized 2 main things about the shop I went to. 1) They never asked for an ID (most places require you to be over 18 or accompanied by an adult) but this could’ve just been because we all looked older than we are. 2) It wasn’t the most sterile place- we were basically in a shack( it was a well known shop though).  This time, when my parents found out, it was expected and they were barely upset. 

Part of me is grateful for places like the shop I went to because it gives you the opportunity to be able to express yourself through body modification no matter what age you are. Another part of me, is scared for such places because there’s so much at risk to owning a business that doesn’t ID. Things such as : Lawsuits, risk of young kids running around with infections, and also the fear of not wanting a tattoo or piercing after a while because there is no going back with these types of things; you’re stuck with a tattoo for the rest of your life and a hole/scar will always be where you take a piercing out. [7]

These two experiences that I have, helped shape me into who I am today. To some, these piercings are just holes in my body but to me, they represent courage, confidence and also the ability to express myself in any way I’d like because this body is my own to do whatever I feel like I want to do with it. This is also inspiration for my future in permanent cosmetics. If you’re ever wondering whether or not to get a piercing or tattoo, my advice is to hold onto the idea you have for a tattoo for at least 2 years and if you still want it after then, do it; life is too short to not. With piercings, get magnetic ones first and if you like the look of it, do it. But keep in mind that both of these body modifications take a lot of responsibility.

Resources:

Works Cited

[1]Body modification. National Geographic, 2007. Documentary.

[2]Leone, Lori St., The art and history of body modification. 2010,
Digital File.

[3]Harris, Michael A., Timeline: Body Modification. Digital File.

[4]Coleman, Helen, Scarification amongst African Cultures. 2002, Digital File 

[5]MCconnell, Laura, The Perception of body modification in religion. 2012, digital file.

[6] Youn, Anthony, Dr. Body Modification -- or Mutilation?. Digital File.

[7]Interview with Lucky, Sept. 14

[8]Ruthford, Jesse J. "Body Modification In the 21st Century." LXMagazine. Digital file. 18 Nov. 2014.

[9]Favazza, Armando R.  , ‘Bodies Under Siege: Self-mutilation and Body Modification in Culture and Psychiatry’,book, May 6th, 1996