Neolithic Saharan Ear, Lip & Nose Plugs
Carved and polished - used as decoration in body piercing.
- Each piece will differ in size, shape, color, characteristics, and other aspects.
 
Ear, nose, and lip plugs have been used for centuries, with evidence of their use dating back to the Neolithic period, which began around 10,000 BCE. During this time, humans began to settle down and form agricultural societies, which allowed for the development of complex societies and the creation of various forms of art and adornment.
 
One of the most significant archaeological discoveries related to ear, nose, and lip plugs was found in the ancient city of Çatalhöyük in modern-day Turkey. This site was inhabited between 7500 and 5700 BCE, and archaeologists have uncovered a wealth of information about the daily lives of its inhabitants, including their use of body modification.
 
Excavations at Çatalhöyük have revealed that its inhabitants wore a wide variety of ear, nose, and lip plugs made from materials such as bone, stone, and shell. Some of these plugs were quite elaborate, with intricate carvings and designs. They were often used to signify social status or to express religious beliefs, and they were also used in burial practices.
 
In addition to Çatalhöyük, similar plugs have been found at other Neolithic sites throughout Europe and the Middle East. These artifacts suggest that the use of body modification for adornment and ritual purposes was widespread during this period and played an important role in the development of early human societies.