CARTA: The Recent History of Piercing Practices in Europe and North America

Summary

The presentation discusses the history and techniques of body piercing, from ancient practices to modern innovations. The speaker, working with Franz Manni, provides an overview of body piercing's historical development, particularly focusing on the evolution of piercing techniques and tools. Key moments include the work of early medical practitioners, the rise of earlobe piercing in the 19th century, and the efforts of pioneers like Fakir Musafar and Jim Ward in establishing the body piercing community. The presentation emphasizes the importance of collaborative learning and the ongoing advancement of piercing techniques.

Takeaways

• 😀 Body piercing has deep historical roots, with evidence in ancient civilizations, but the understanding of piercing processes remains underexplored in archaeology.
• 😀 The historical chapter of the presentation covers the diffusion of Western technological innovations in body piercing and their cultural significance.
• 😀 Various techniques for piercing, such as needle and thread methods, were used for centuries, starting from ancient times to the 1920s.
• 😀 The 1880s saw a rise in earlobe piercing, thanks to the advent of machine mass production, leading to improved techniques and tools.
• 😀 The first major publications on body piercing appeared in the late 1800s, including those that documented painful and rudimentary piercing methods.
• 😀 The 1930s brought more detailed piercing methods, with contributors describing techniques like piercing the septum and using wood plugs for enlargement.
• 😀 Ethel and William Granger were pivotal in the public-facing body modification movement, documenting their practices and gaining global attention for their achievements.
• 😀 Fakir Musafar, a key figure in modern body piercing, popularized techniques and workshops that became essential in the development of professional piercing culture.
• 😀 The rise of body modification communities, such as the Tattoo Club of America and later Gauntlet, played a crucial role in the spread of piercing knowledge.
• 😀 The Association of Professional Piercers (APP) emerged as a leading organization, offering scientifically-backed information and fostering education in body piercing.
• 😀 While body piercing practices have evolved, the connection between the piercing community and archaeology has been minimal, despite shared interests in historical exploration.

Q & A

What is the focus of the speaker's presentation?

The focus of the presentation is on the historical chapter of body piercing, specifically discussing the processes of piercing, healing, and enlarging wounds from an archaeological perspective.

What are some of the topics covered in the technical chapter of the work?

The technical chapter discusses various aspects of body piercing, such as piercing tools, wound healing stages, biocompatibility of materials, stretching techniques, and ongoing care and maintenance.

Why does the speaker emphasize the importance of understanding the history of body piercing?

Understanding the history of body piercing helps archaeologists connect the material evidence found in archaeological records with the processes and techniques used throughout history, allowing for a deeper understanding of body modification practices.

How has body piercing evolved over time according to the script?

Body piercing has evolved from ancient practices, such as those described by the Roman physician Celsus, to more modern techniques and tools developed in the 19th and 20th centuries, with key milestones including the rise of machine mass production and the popularization of ear piercings in the 1880s.

What role did National Geographic play in the history of body piercing?

National Geographic played a significant role in popularizing body piercing by presenting body modifications and inspiring people to explore piercing and other body modification practices.

What was the significance of the Grangers in the history of body piercing?

The Grangers, particularly Ethel and William Granger, were instrumental in bringing body modification into the public eye in the post-World War II era. They were known for their extreme piercings and for breaking societal norms, particularly with Ethel's world record for the smallest waist.

What was Roland Loomis's contribution to body piercing practices?

Roland Loomis, also known as Fakir Musafar, contributed greatly to the development and documentation of body modification practices, including creating devices for piercing and enlarging, as well as publishing information and holding seminars for other practitioners.

How did the Tattoo Club of America influence the body piercing community?

The Tattoo Club of America was significant for connecting people with similar interests in body piercing, including kinks and alternative body modifications, which helped build a network for sharing techniques and knowledge in the 1960s.

What was the role of Gauntlet in the body piercing movement?

Gauntlet, founded by Jim Ward in 1975, was the first business dedicated to body piercing in the Western world. It played a pivotal role in the commercialization of body piercing and provided education and resources for people interested in piercing and body modification.

How has the Association of Professional Piercers (APP) impacted the field?

The APP has played a crucial role in the professionalization of the body piercing industry, offering peer-vetted information, organizing educational events, and advocating for safe and scientifically-backed piercing practices.