The History Of Ear Stretching

Ever heard of the man who became known as Ötzi? He was discovered frozen in the Italian Alps in 1991 and he’s reckoned to be the original ear gauger. More precisely, this 5,300-year-old mummy had respectable 8mm ear gauge sizes.

Now, ear stretching is prized for its aesthetic and as a means of self-expression. But, Ötzi's discovery threw the doors open to a world where body modification, especially ear lobe stretching, held many different meanings to different civilizations.

Ear gauges are rooted in diverse ancient cultures around the globe. For example, ear lobe stretching was a common practice for the Pharaohs of Egypt, the Mayans and Aztecs in the Americas, and various other tribes across Asia and Africa.

Here are some of the most notable people and places that have contributed to introducing and furthering the ear stretching phenomenon:

We’ve already covered how Buddha initially wore his ear gauge sizes as a physical representation of his wealth. And he wasn’t alone in sporting stretches for this reason. In addition to Buddha, there are common themes of spirituality and social status throughout the history of ear lobe stretching, like:

• Mayan Spirituality - The Mayans used alabaster, ceramic, gold, and jade ear plugs and tunnels as far back as 3000 BC, believing ear gauges invited spirits into the bodies.
• Aztec Status Symbols - The Aztecs also used ear tunnels and plugs. But their purpose was materialistic rather than mystic. Furthermore, they taught their children early on about the importance of ambition. Young ears were pierced with string, ready to be replaced with ear flesh tunnels and plugs as a rite of passage into adulthood – and hopefully prosperity.

Imagine now, poking string through your piercings! It's one of many examples of how times – and techniques – have evolved over the years.

The ancients had to get creative with what nature gave them, back in the days before modern tools and techniques. But you can see how their primitive materials and methods aren’t actually that different from today:

Besides the materials and tools, there are also similarities – and divergences over time – in technique. For instance, dead stretching offers clear evidence.

In olden times, it meant forcing jewellery in for enlarged ear gauges. Despite natural oils being used, it was a painful and risky business, often leading to scar tissue and permanent damage. A far cry from today’s slow and steady approach.

Thankfully, most of the nasty stuff has been left behind, resigned to history where it belongs. But it hasn’t stopped some cultures holding on tight to their traditions.

In the western world, people who are bitten by the ear stretching bug are usually drawn to it as a way of expressing individuality. Elsewhere, ear lobe stretching traditions continue among tribes from the African jungles to the Asian pagodas. Each upholds their own unique practices, such as:

• Fulani (West Africa) - Unlike some tribes, the Fulani prefer conservative ear stretching sizes. They wear large gold earrings in leaf designs up to five inches long, known as kwottone kanye. These eye-catching hoops symbolise wealth and status, going right back to the origins of ear gauges.
• Maasai (Kenya and Tanzania) – The Maasai people stretch their ears with heavy jewellery made from natural materials like bone and stone, often with colourful beads and ear weights. Whereas today’s fantastic selection of brass, stone, and opalite ear weights are designed to be worn for adornment purposes only, not for stretching.
• Mursi (Ethiopia) – Even if you’ve never heard of the Mursi women, you’ve probably seen them in the media. They’re best known for their large wooden lip plates. But they’re also keen ear stretchers. Initiation begins in adolescence, using wooden plugs to gradually increase ear gauge sizes. It’s notable wooden ear plugs and tunnels aren’t recommended for fresh stretches in the western world, because wood is porous and consequently bacteria prone. Although it’s fine for healed ear gauges.
• Lahu and Karen-Padaung (Myanmar and Thailand) - These tribes believe ears are sacred and should be adorned with as much jewellery as possible. For this purpose, ear stretching has been a longstanding cultural tradition.

Besides looking back, ear lobe stretching extends into popular culture. And you could say it’s as much of a tribal thing as it’s always been for the ancient African and Asian clans. There’s just a different dynamic at play.

Now, ear gauges have fans among the rich and famous, with celebrity endorsement bringing ear stretching further into the mainstream.

Stars of the screen, music and fashion worlds who wear ear tunnels and plugs include:

• Actress Scarlett Johansson
• Singer songwriter Kehlani
• Rapper and record producer T-Pain
• Stylist, fashion designer, and TV presenter Gok Wan – In fact, Wan was photographed wearing fake ear gauges, representing a massive nod from the popular fashionista
• Singer Adam Lambert
• Hip hop artiste, songwriter, and record executive Lil’ Wayne
• Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker

Like any form of body modification, ear stretching comes with its share of folklore and exposure to risk. Here are the most common ones:

• Myth - Bigger ear gauge sizes are always better. False! Truth is, it's your call, your personal preference, and, of course, safe practices.
• Risks - Tears, blowouts, uneven stretching, allergies and infections are potential hazards. But they shouldn’t scaremonger or deter you. You can mitigate these risks with proper care and gradual ear lobe stretching.

As you can see, ear stretching bridges the past with the present, from ancient tribes, to taboo practice, to a ‘left of centre’ but increasingly accepted form of self-expression as society shifts. It was once a symbol of status and spirituality. But fast forward to the present day, ear flesh tunnels and plugs are now celebrated for their aesthetic appeal and individuality.

What about predictions for the future?

Moving forward, ear gauges are set to continue being a vibrant part of body modification culture and a powerful form of self-expression.

Additionally, it's easier and safer than ever to achieve gorgeously stretched ear gauge sizes, as materials and techniques keep getting more advanced.

So, if you're thinking about ear stretching, remember you're not just following a trend. By comparison, you’re following in the footsteps of a long lineage of rebels, warriors, and self-expressionists spanning the globe and the ages.

Embrace it. Enjoy it. And wear your history with pride.

Want to join the stretched ear club, or move up to larger ear stretching sizes? At Stretch It Body Jewellery, we've got everything you need to master (or mistress) a tradition spanning centuries and cultures.

Click here to check out our killer selection of kits, ear tunnels and plugs. It's time to unleash your inner earlobe revolutionary and make your mark on this ancient art form. Let Stretch It Body Jewellery and history inspire your unique ear stretching journey.