A large clay or wooden disc inserted in a pierced lower lip may not be considered a beautiful thing in the western world, but for some African and Amazonian tribes it is “a must”.
Women of African tribes, like Mursi or Surma, have their lips pierced around the age of 15-18, six months before their marriage. Two, sometimes four of the lower front teeth are removed and a 1-2 cm incision is performed. A small wooden peg is placed inside the cut, and, 2-3 weeks later, after the wound has healed, a larger peg is inserted.
The first clay plug is crafted by the bearer herself, and many women take great pride in adding ornamentation. The final diameter of the plates ranges between 8-16 cm and some researchers say they are a sign of social importance within the tribe. The larger the clay plug, the more important its bearer inside the tribal community.
After the wedding, the lip plugs are removed leaving the lip wrinkled and hanging.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6FRGB6euko
Oh dismal mourning...
I open my weary eyes once again
My life has been left hollow and ashes have filled the gorge of my within
Last night I hoped and wished I'd die in my sleep but no catharsis was granted to
me
Will this pain ever pass?
The enchanting perfume of winter and the bleak, cold breath of her still haunts
me...
Oportet ubique pulchritudinem evanescere
So half of me rode to the mountains and the other half soared high in the winds
to a place where the angels had fallen, the soil gagged and choked on their wings
My soul was the pale skyline that she stretched across the horizon
Two years had brought the fire that she paints upon my loathsome canvas