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Member of the Meru Tribe - Kenya, East Africa
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Member of the Meru Tribe - Kenya, East Africa
Memeber of the Meru Tribe - Kenya, East Africa. Both men and women of this region stretch their ears, although today more women than men follow the practice. Originally, the piercing was done with a sharpened object such as the point of a knife or a thorn. Heavy jewelry was then placed in the hole to increase the size with materials such as animal bones, wood, stone, and tusks used for jewelry (as shown here). Date: circa 1910s
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Media ID 18076139
© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection
Bantu Braided Ears Heavy Jewellery Kenya Kenyan Piercing Stretched Stretching Tradition Tusk Earlobe Elongation Meru
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph captures the distinctive tradition of the Meru Tribe in Kenya, East Africa, where both men and women have a long-standing practice of stretching their ears. The Meru people, also known as the Amiiru, Ameru, or Ngaa, are a Bantu ethnic group and are among the largest tribes in Kenya. The ear elongation process, which dates back to the 1910s, was originally initiated by piercing the earlobe with a sharpened object such as a knife or thorn. Following the piercing, heavy jewelry made of various materials was inserted to expand the hole. The use of animal bones, wood, stone, and tusks for earrings was common. In this image, the man's elongated ears are adorned with large tusks, showcasing the traditional ear elongation practice of the Meru Tribe. The man's braided hair further emphasizes his African heritage. This photograph offers a glimpse into the rich cultural history and traditions of the Meru people, providing a window into their unique and intriguing customs.
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