body decoration
Quick Summary
Body decoration encompasses a wide range of practices used to adorn the human form. These can be permanent, such as scarification, which among the Yoruba indicates lineage and for Nuba women can signify physiological milestones like menstruation or childbirth. Some scarification is purely for aesthetic patterns, as seen with the Tiv people of Nigeria.1
Semi-permanent alterations include regalia and heavily beaded ornaments, like those worn by Maasai women. Ephemeral decorations involve practices such as extensive body painting, particularly among young Nuba men to celebrate their vitality. Hairdressing can be for aesthetic reasons or to signal age status, as observed in East African pastoral groups. The Fulani people of Nigeria are noted for elaborate hairstyles and jewelry, especially during the Gerewol festival, a men's beauty contest. Across Africa, dress and jewelry are significant for aesthetic and social purposes. Historically, body decoration predates clothing, with early humans using shells, bones, and pebbles. The development of settled societies led to the discovery of metals like gold and precious stones, expanding the variety of ornaments created for all parts of the body.12
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Oceanic art and architectureMaterials and techniquesā¦of all was the human body, which received both removable and permanent decorations, including scarification, enhanced by treatment to raise keloid welts, in New Guinea and tattooing with needles and pigments elsewhere.
Read Moreā¦of all was the human body, which received both removable and permanent decorations, including scarification, enhanced by treatment to raise keloid welts, in New Guinea and tattooing with needles and pigments elsewhere.
Read More- Oceanic art and architectureThe Highlands
ā¦the New Guinea Highlands is body decoration. Although decoration usually involves an individualās entire body, the main focus is the head, which is adorned with a great variety of hats and wigs. The most striking materials used are feathers. The area is famous for its many species of birds ofā¦
Read Moreā¦the New Guinea Highlands is body decoration. Although decoration usually involves an individualās entire body, the main focus is the head, which is adorned with a great variety of hats and wigs. The most striking materials used are feathers. The area is famous for its many species of birds ofā¦
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