Body Modification

Introduction Although one cannot tell a book by its cover, we often look to physical appearance to give us clues about a person’s sanity, morality, intelligence, and abilities. Because appearance can be a fairly reliable indicator of one’s behavior, it is no surprise that in society physical image is very important. Today people can change their clothing, hair, teeth, face, and body. Most of these changes are met with a level of tolerance. …

…a personally significant way, seeking spiritual experience, or some combination of these motivations. Although not every person who chooses to have a tattoo or body piercing may know or care about the origins of these practices, many who are engaging in them do so consciously, and regard themselves as participants in a neotribal movement. Whether consciously observed or not, these practices have histories and psychological and cultural meanings that are significant and worthy of attention.