In Turkey, archaeologists have made an exciting discovery that links ancient facial piercings directly to the individuals who once adorned them. They found evidence of earring-like items, believed to be used as piercings, among Neolithic or late Stone Age communities across southwest Asia, dating back as much as 12,000 years. However, until now, these items had not been directly linked to the specific body parts they adorned.
During excavations at Boncuklu Tarla, an archaeological site in southeastern Turkey, researchers uncovered burial sites where piercing ornaments were positioned near the deceased’s ears and mouths. They noticed dental wear on the lower incisors of these remains, which dated back around 11,000 years, matching the wear patterns seen from a type of ornament known as a labret, typically worn below the lower lip.
This discovery marks the first time facial piercings from Neolithic people in southwestern Asia have been directly connected to the body parts they decorated. The findings, published in the journal Antiquity, highlight that the practice of facial adornment was already widespread in the early Neolithic era.
Interestingly, these ornaments were found exclusively near adult remains, suggesting that such piercings were not for children but possibly signified a rite of passage into adulthood within these ancient societies.
Other evidence of coming-of-age rituals in the Neolithic era includes burials arranged with specific artifacts or the placement of the deceased in designated locations based on age. Anthropological archaeologist Dusan Boric, not involved in the study, remarked on the convincing nature of this evidence in an email.
The site of Boncuklu Tarla, home to hunter-gatherers from around 10,300 BC to 7100 BC, has revealed an astonishing number of decorative artifacts since its first excavation in 2012. Dr. Emma L. Baysal, a co-author of the study, described the site as one of immense adornment passion, with around 100,000 decorative items unearthed, including beads, necklaces, bracelets, and animal-shaped pendants.
Among these finds were 85 objects identified as piercing ornaments, crafted from materials like flint, limestone, copper, and obsidian. The researchers categorized these labrets into seven types based on their shape, with some designed for ear piercings and others, due to their shorter, bulbous shafts, likely used as lip adornments.
Some labrets had moved from their original positions, possibly due to rodent activity, but remained near the head and neck area of the remains. Others were found still in place on the skull or under the lower jaw, providing undeniable evidence of their use in life.
Facial piercings, reserved for adults, likely signified maturity or a specific social status within these ancient communities. These adornments offer invaluable insights into how prehistoric peoples presented themselves and their societal roles, serving as a key source of information until the invention of writing.
The tradition of body decoration, deeply rooted in the mythologies of traditional societies, may have been more than an aesthetic choice. It likely played a significant role in constructing personal identity and offering protection.
Today, the human desire to express identity or community through piercings and other personal ornamentations remains strong. Dr. Baysal notes that wearing earrings is not for the wearer’s benefit, as they cannot see them, but rather a means of projecting oneself to others—a sentiment that connects us with our Neolithic ancestors.
Mindy Weisberger, a seasoned science writer, highlights the enduring nature of personal adornment and its significance in human culture across millennia.