ADVERTISEMENT

The bizarre fashion tradition of Lip plating in Africa

Many body modifications have been used by Africans for centuries; many of these modifications have been forgotten or gone into extinction, while others still hold true today.

The bizarre tradition of lip plating in Africa

Lip plating is a body modification common to many African tribes, especially women in Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Sudan. The lip plates or discs, as often called, are made out of clay or wood of about 5 cm and placed in the lower lip; about three to four teeth are removed to allow the disc to fit appropriately.

A girl who reaches puberty; is expected to have her first plate fixed. Her lower lip is cut by a female member of her family or tribe, usually the mother.

ADVERTISEMENT

The level of stretch is dependent on the girl; over the years, she can decide to continue to stretch it out; and as such, larger plates are continually fixed till the lip can fit a disc of twelve centimeters.

A controversial belief about how lip plating became a thing is that the people of the community started this practice so that the women of the tribe may look ugly to foreigners who came into the land. Other meanings and beliefs have been attached to the wear of these lip plates.

Many believe that its wear symbolizes a young’s girl transition into womanhood. Others believe that wearing lip plates is a sign of a woman’s self-esteem and worth; the wider the lip plates, the more the bride price is received by the family.

Today, only a particular tribe in Ethiopia still practices this tradition; they are known as the Mursi tribe; It is surprising to see that amidst the civilization and globalization, this tribe has decided to carry on her tradition.

ADVERTISEMENT

This makes the Mursi tribe a prominent tourist attraction, as photographers worldwide go to Ethiopia to capture their raw beauty.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

This popular drink can make your toilet so clean you could eat inside it

This popular drink can make your toilet so clean you could eat inside it

5 steps to ensure pets and livestock are safe during flood season

5 steps to ensure pets and livestock are safe during flood season

Couples can get married while completely naked on this beach

Couples can get married while completely naked on this beach

See how Nigerian celebs slayed at Bridgerton Affair with Netflix

See how Nigerian celebs slayed at Bridgerton Affair with Netflix

We asked an expert who's been to 24 countries how to travel on a budget

We asked an expert who's been to 24 countries how to travel on a budget

These 6 beaches are so dirty that swimming in them can send you to the hospital

These 6 beaches are so dirty that swimming in them can send you to the hospital

How often do you change your bed sheets? Here's something you need to know

How often do you change your bed sheets? Here's something you need to know

The best celebrity pictures of the week

The best celebrity pictures of the week

Japa Story: My journey to Canada took 4 years, but it's not greener on the other side

Japa Story: My journey to Canada took 4 years, but it's not greener on the other side

itel takes S24 smartphone to Nigerian campuses with MTN, Imagine Cinemas and Google

itel takes S24 smartphone to Nigerian campuses with MTN, Imagine Cinemas and Google

3 things you can do on your wedding day if you can't dance

3 things you can do on your wedding day if you can't dance

Are men biologically wired to crave multiple partners?

Are men biologically wired to crave multiple partners?

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT