Body ornamentation and modification is older than humankind. We were not the first to use it. So far, Neanderthals are the first that we know of. They used shell beads and feathers for self-decoration. When this may have started is controversial, but Neanderthals were around for at least 400,000 years. These discoveries carry very strong implications. One must have the consciousness of self. There is no need to enhance oneself unless you are self-conscious. Having an inward view is one of those prerequisites for being human, but Neanderthal had it. Early body enhancement was most likely used to differentiate among people. The more extensive reserved for the head of the group, certain marks to delineate a pair-bonded female, a little something for the healer and so on. Once body decoration began, it never stopped. You would be hard put to find a person today who does not wear make-up, has pierced ears, wears an attractive watch, has facial hair, or some form of decoration.
Foot binding, sharpening teeth, scarification, and body piercing are all new compared to the ancient ways of decorating. Remnants of shell containers with pigments still in them have also been associated with both Neanderthals and Homo sapiens, with the earliest date of 300,000 years ago and associated with our extinct cousins.
About the Creator
Monica Bennett
I am a retired high school and college teacher. I have taught forensics, biology, chemistry, ecology, and Earth science.. Long Island has been my home for 60 years.
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