The history of piercings

Piercings have a long history dating back thousands of years and have played an important role in various cultures around the world.

Antiquity and early history

• Egypt
  Pharaohs already wore piercings as a status symbol, especially on the navel.
  
  
• Romans and Greeks
  Ear and nipple piercings were worn by warriors to symbolize bravery.
  
  
• India
  Nose piercings have been part of the culture since the 16th century and often have religious or medical meanings.

Indigenous cultures

• Maya and Aztecs
  Lip and tongue piercings were worn in honor of the gods.
  
  
• African tribes
  Ear, lip and nose piercings served as tribal affiliation or as an ideal of beauty.

Middle Ages and modernity

• In the Middle Ages, piercings became less common in Europe, but remained widespread among sailors (earrings for good luck).
  
  
• From the 1970s onwards, piercings made a strong comeback in punk and subculture.
  
  
• Today they are widespread and serve aesthetic, cultural or personal forms of expression.

Piercings have different meanings depending on the time and culture - from ritual to fashion accessory.