This wasn't very common trend and no longer exists today, it was used by the Apatani as a way to make their women seem less attractive so that they would not be kidnapped. Unlike the African tribes who used body modification to highlight beauty, the Apatani used body modification to make their women uglier and less likely to be targeted.
Neck Rings
Neck rings were also used in Asia as a way to make the neck more elegant and swan-like, highlighting beauty through modifications as in Africa.
Kayan now has increased use of neck rings, originally, they were not used from a young age, but has become a way to give their people a better life, many have moved into 'fake villages' set up for tourist viewing, though the way of life is better and they are more looked after, neck rings are popular demand as it highlights a physical difference between their lifestyle and those visiting.
Tooth Modification: Blackening Teeth
In Japan, having black teeth was high sexualised and was common for prostitutes to blacken their teeth before performing a sexual act. It was used as a way to protect their teeth, and although the ingredients used weren't to most protective, the idea was picked up in Vietnam where it became popular and the mix used was proven to protect teeth enamel.
Though none of these ideas jump out at me for a final design in my project, I will look into involving them and make-up techniques I could used to create them, it would be interesting to develop further ideas, though nose plugs do not strike me as something that would be used in a fashion based look.
Reference:
Arnold Rubin (1995) Marks of Civilization: Artistic Transformations of the Human Body. Regents of the University of California. Singapore.
Karl Groning (2001) Decorated Skin: A World Survey of Body Art. Thames and Hudson. Germany.
Rufus C.Camphausen (1997) Return of the Tribal: A Celebration of Body Adornment. Park Street Press, Rochester, Vermont. India.
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