Stone Age humans also had 'piercings' on their lips... Artifacts excavated in Turkiye

"Infection Treatment Difficult, Past Piercing Was a Risky Practice"
Piercing Found Only Near Adult Hazard Areas

A study has revealed that humans in the Stone Age also practiced so-called 'piercing,' a type of jewelry worn by making holes in the face.

Recently, researchers from Ankara University in T?rkiye and other institutions published a paper containing these findings in the latest issue of the archaeology journal 'Antiquity' from the University of Cambridge, UK.

Stone Age piercing artifact. [Image source=Archaeology journal 'Antiquity']

The paper reported that a total of 85 piercing ornaments were discovered near the ears and mouths of some skeletons found at the Neolithic site of 'Boncuklu Tarla' in the southeastern Anatolia region of T?rkiye, which was formed 12,000 years ago. The ornaments were made from materials such as limestone, obsidian, and copper, and their shapes varied from circular to rectangular. The researchers stated, "They had complex decorations related to beads, bracelets, and pendants, all expressed through the human body."

Some of the lower front teeth of certain skeletons showed wear patterns similar to those caused by wearing labrets, decorations inserted into the lower lip. It was also estimated that some ornaments were worn in a manner similar to modern ear piercings, inserted into the flesh or cartilage of the ear.

The researchers explained, "Piercing was a risky practice at the time because infections could not be easily treated," and added, "This is the first time that piercing artifacts have been found directly connected to the corresponding body parts." The Neolithic people buried at the Boncuklu Tarla site varied in age, but piercing ornaments were found only near adult remains. This is interpreted as suggesting that piercing may have been related to coming-of-age rituals at that time.

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