Extreme Body Piercing – Branding – Scarification
People far and wide have long used their bodies as canvases to express cultural identity, community status, connection to ancestors or gods — and to mark rites of passage or to ‘wear’ a permanent amulet.
Photo Deford
Although tattoos and piercings are the most popular forms of body art, some more extreme forms are also practiced all over the world such as scarification, branding, implants and surgical alterations.
Photo Jake Slagel
Photo Fred Armitage
Thaipusam is a Hindu festival widely celebrated in Malaysia.Thai refers to the Tamil month of Thai in January and February. Pusam refers to a star that is at its highest point during the festival. The festival honors Subrahmanya — known also as Murugan — the Son of Siva and Parvati who defeated a demon with a spear.
Photos Surfingbanana
The devotees walk carrying various types of kavadi (burdens), and pots of milk on their heads. But mortification of the flesh by piercing the skin, tongue or cheeks with vel skewers is also common while in a trance.
The vel kavadi is a form of portable altar decorated with peacock feathers and attached to the devotee through 108 vels pierced into the skin on the chest and back.
Photo Oneleon1905
Photo Broadbeamana
A metal rod is pierced through the mouth to a Hindu Devotee during the Thaipusam festival in Kuala Lumpur.
Photo Omprakash
Scarification
In the U.S., scarification emerged in San Francisco as part of a new body-modification movement in the mid-1980’s. It was originally embraced by gay and lesbian subcultures, said Victoria Pitts, professor of sociology at the City University of New York in New York City, reports National Geographic.
Photo Poke of Doom
But by the early 1990s, members of a neotribal, or ‘modern primitive’ movement began using scarification. “That movement was interested in reviving or reenacting indigenous body rituals from around the world — trying to get in touch with a more authentic or spiritual experience of the body.” Pitts said.
Photo Mistyeiz2
Photo Sharlene Maziero
Over the last seven or eight years, Pitts said, scarification has become remarkably widespread in the U.S., Australia and across Europe, from London to Prague.
Scarification is done either by cutting repeatedly with a scalpel, using a cauterizing tool, or by ’strike branding,’ which is much like cattle branding.
After cleaning the area and stenciling on the design, the artist begins cutting or burning the skin until reaching the right depth and width. “It can take 15 minutes, but I’ve also done pieces that took eight hours over two days.” said Ryan Ouellette, a body-modification artist who owns Precision Body Arts in Nashua, New Hampshire.
There are several reasons for the growing popularity of scarification. Pitts feels that it’s partly spurred by a nostalgia for a different type of society.
Photo Foto Morgana
Photo Ms Entropy
“Industrial consumerist cultures are becoming more interested in what they might call primitive societies.” she said. “That’s not wholly new — it’s a fascination that’s centuries old.” The romantic idea of the exotic ethnic dates back to colonial times, she said.
“Someone stuck in L.A. traffic, wearing a tribal tattoo, has a cultural nostalgia for something we imagine we’ve lost.” Pitts said. “The problem is that we’re taking it upon ourselves to represent a whole range of indigenous cultures in ways that they may not agree with — or may violate sacred spiritual ritual.”
Some scarify merely to be different. “Tattooing has become old hat.” Hemingson said. “If you want to be on the cutting edge — and want to set yourself apart — you can do tongue splitting or scarification.”
Pitts argues that body modification is not really so strange within a culture where identity is often expressed through appearance — which in mainstream society includes fashion consumption, cosmetic surgery, and botox.
On the fringes of society, it’s tattooing, piercing, and scarification.
“Scarification definitely isn’t as popular as tattooing, and I don’t think it ever will be.” said Ouellette. “It still carries a stigma as something really bizarre.”
Branding
Branding is the process for which a white-hot item is used — typically a piece of metal in some particular shape — and pressed into the flesh so that it makes a serious burn and then a permanent scar.
Photo JasonMG5
In full-scale branding, the iron is heated hot enough and applied long enough that the resulting wound is a third degree burn, which destroys the nerve. These third-degree burns never regain sensitivity. It will make a silver scarred area in the shape of the third degree burn, due to destruction of the entire dermis layer of the skin. The surrounding skin will eventually fill in areas that haven’t been severely damaged, which takes years.
Implants
Implants are created by placing an object under the skin to create a design. An incision is made near the area the implant will be placed, then a pocket is made and the object is inserted. The incision is then stitched up.
Photo Stop Chillin Start Killin
Most commonly used materials are titanium, soft solid silicone, and Teflon. Other materials such as stainless steel can be used, but some people can develop an allergic reaction and reject the implant.
Photo Chicago Tribune
Photo Spaztacular
Once again, my trusty friend Saboma sent me the idea for body piercings with assistance for some pics. Thanks Saboma!
i can’t imagine doing that to my body…i could only have henna tattoo…these people are extra brave…
Hi Deborah,
Great post again. I can remember back in the mid 1960’s we were lining in Mauritius and they had an annual festival which I think was called Cavadee. My father took several photos of people having many of these body piercings done with all types of instruments as well as those that were covered from head to toe in pins. The amazing thing was that there was no blood to be seen even though many had pierced right through cheeks, lips, tongues and limbs.
I think I’ll pass on trying it out though…I’m far too faint-hearted hahaha.
Wow. This really grossed me out. But I couldn’t stop looking. Fascinating!
Ayel, a simple henna tattoo wouldn’t be so bad, but I’m pretty squeamish myself when to comes to ANY form of needles.
Colin, that would be amazing to attend those festivals. I haven’t heard of it. Surprising that it isn’t as messy as one would expect for the blood factor.
I just did a quick search on the Cavadee, and it originates from the same Tamil legend.
Mauritius looks absolutely gorgeous! What a great experience that must have been to live there Colin.
I’m from Malaysia and I’ve seen a couple Thaipusam processions. They all seem to go in a state of trance while doing all those.
That must be pretty wild to watch Ben. It makes sense that they’d go into a trance-like state actually. They’re probably blocking their mind from the pain by focusing elsewhere.
wowee Deborah
from the bizarre to the beautiful….goodness…they must go through so much pain….reminds me of the film called “A Man Called Horse” starring Richard Harris…..I loved the black and white cropped photo…very artistic !!!!
laketrees wrote: “from bizarre to the beautiful”
am I the only one missing something? lol every cell in my body cringed as I was looking through these pictures.
Deborah, I am going to have nightmares!
Haven’t heard of the movie Kim. Which pic … the man or the native woman? I found them both very interesting
Hahaha, sorry to be keeping you awake at night Vlad
Booo! Oh, sorry, guess I shouldn’t have done that either, heee.
[...] Fotos de Piercing extremo, (o perforación corporal para los más estrictos)www.fastlanetransport.ca/blog/extreme-body-piercing-branding… por robertino hace pocos segundos [...]
Hi Deborah,
)
Yes Mauritius was a wonderful experience, and so was watching thee myriad of festivals they had such as fire walking and the Cavadee. As has been mentioned they did go into a trance like state before the piercings and although we were fortunate enough to witness this, Kodak wanted to keep my fathers photo’s as they were pretty unique at the time. They didn’t succeed though lol, sometimes the little men do win
Colin, it all sounds very exciting to watch! May be an idea to do a future post on, dedicated to these festivals alone.
Gasp! Glad you got your photos back! Do you have any you’d like to share with us for a future post?
Or, maybe this would be something you should write about yourself. If you do, let me know. I’d love to read about it and see the pics.
yeap, i can´t understood yet the human race, bt i likeit this extremely personal works on his body, to my sigth jejeje
[...] y mujeres con perforaciones de aretes y otras cosas . . no apto para estómagos [...]
I don’t understand why anyone would go that overboard with piercings, but whatever suits them, my words are just an opinion.
It actually pains me to think about it, Palm Coast.
For some, like the Thaipusam, it’s cultural belief. Others are ‘non-conformists’ that want to make a statement, some desire the attention it creates, and others I believe actually find it attractive in their own eyes.
Yikes! This better not give me nightmares.
i think this is really sick n that is way 2 pain to go through! all i can say is FREAKS
For some it’s a culture that they live and grow up with. To them it’s something of honor to go through, and they know of nothing else. But it pains me to think of it all the same.
I’ve not been through a scarification, but want to. I fear the pain. And that’s about it. I’ve been though major surgery and have enjoyed the pain and pain meds, but I want to experience the joys of body modification without the chems that make pain less real.
It pains me to even read what you’ve just said Joseph
Our body is the nicest gift of God. He has made it as beautiful as possible. We should not change it madly and distorted. They are looking ugly and dangerous. Horrible! Please, don’t do this.
i dont think any of those people dont think their bodies are beautiful, they just try to express them selfes, or embrace what God has given them,
me for example, i gauged my ears, and i have one branding on both of my wrist, and i am planning on getting several tattos and other things but not because i think that i am ugly i am try to express myself and to show others who i really am,
and i think its not ugly if it is dont nicely and professional, and i think if its not too much, it can make a person the most beautiful thing in the world because they are in balance with their body and soul
Art and beauty is all a matter of perception, Isabell. But self-expression is something that’s as unique as snowflakes, no two individuals will be entirely the same
If you feel in balance with your body and soul in how you like to adorn yourself, I would say that’s what’s most important, not so much what others think.
hey i was wondering how much a back piercing hurts? and can you get a lower back piercing, like right above your bum?
x thanks
Well as one who recently had a navel piercing, Loren, I can attest that it will be some discomfort for up to a couple of months, and it’s very important to keep clean, which won’t be an easy task on the back. You won’t be able to sleep on your back for months either.
No swimming or soaks in the tub or hot tub for a couple of months as well. Use sea salt spray (H2Ocean is the best) and only a soap like plain Dial liquid hand soap or Provon to cleanse it daily. Don’t put anything like Polysporon on it, it will clog the skin which needs to breathe.
thanks deborah. yeh i have my navel,tongue,ears,nose and breast pierced- so i think i might be able to handle the pain. but the thing is your lower back doesnt have must fat there and alot of nerves are there so i wasn’t sure if its actually possible
x
Well as you say, there isn’t much fat, and the skin is very thin. It’s most commonly performed on people’s higher backs, but I’ve never seen it done on lower backs.
I would think if it is possible, it would be more akin to navel and nipple piercings, as it would have to be pierced into muscle.
If you need tips on solutions that help to heal quicker, I’ll give you some links here. My belly piercing was talking longer to heal than it should have, and I’ve been very stringent on cleaning it. But some soaps actually work far better than others.
that would be wonderful. yeh could i have those links
THANK YOU SO MUCH
xxloren
Sorry for the late reply, Loren, I’ve been a bit swamped and gotten behind.
You should use these products once to twice daily (no more, you need it to be dry to heal, and overuse can be counter-productive to drying it out), and should try to do it in the shower only, where you can soften any crusting on it before cleaning. I do this at the end of the shower so it’s had time to soften up. Cup your hand near the piercing to hold water to it for 1 to 2 minutes, then clean with a few drops of Provon soap rubbing the lather gently over it and rinse well again. If you can’t get it, regular liquid Dial hand soap is the second best.
Never let anyone touch a piercing that’s healing without sterilized hands.
Here are the links:
Provon Soap, Sea Wipes, and H2Ocean spray.
I’ve written a post on the proper care for belly piercings, which basically applies to most any form of piercings if you would like to read about it at Get Your Sexy On – Waist Art to Die For, but I need to update some of the procedures.
Don’t use anything else! My piercing wasn’t healing until I started using these products. Some will leave a film behind, and anything with perfumes can be harmful to the healing process. I rarely ever promote a product to stand behind, but I’ve made an exception in this case. The Provon soap and sea wipes are at the same site, which is claimed to be the best of the best for products for piercings by sellers I know.
omg who ever did this is amazing i love this kind of stuff you would’nt think if you took a look at me but the branding and everything looks so cool. its definatly showing somebody who you are and expressing your self threw art
It’s becoming increasingly more popular, Kari. I’ve been seeing a lot of very unusual piercings and implants recently.
Muito bom!
Okay most of theses are just too extreme, i love piercings but these are just crazy and to be honest they look sick.
I love the corset piercing though, and the scarification looks amazing, very painful though =|
So yeah…
x
It is impossible to be a kind of beauty
Apparently it is to some, Omar
Deborah
I am one of some people who are not satisfied
Mo crazy Khirbat published acupuncture
Deborah
Deborah
Mo crazy Khirbat published acupuncture
wow, you know when i get that feeling of “hey look at me” I usually try and go find a music gig for a few months or something along the line. this is pretty intense stuff
Parabens aqueles que tem atitude pra fazer d seu corpo uma obra prima.
Beautiful body art, especially the scarification absolutely lovely!
its so scary
thia gives me chills down my spine for looking at these. I think that as long as it has meaning or is part of culture or something. Then it’s a great idea. To express yourself through art, through yourself is very powerful. Although many people may disagree.
I love the idea of tattos and piercings. Those must have taken alot of effort and courage to do.
(still have chills)
OMG is it true het is kei lelijkk !!!!!!!!!!
FOLTERING diet is gewooon mensen folteren
het is vies!!!!!!!!!!
en die kerels zijn ZOT wtf
heeeeelp ik ben zooooo hard tegen
re sarpadoooo loco esto soy de rosario
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a mi esto no me parece nada bn pero si a ellos les gusta felicidades pero a mi me parece una varbaridad esto es una manera de estropearse la cara,espalda,…
me parece fatal
no these people aint brave they are crazy
Seriously some of these pictures are scary.
ON A MAL AU COEUR OUACHE!!!!
Hi everyone,
I personally, well this is my opinion. I think that people must not go through such extreme. A nice artistic tattoo or piercing is ok but when art is being distorted its …… some time you don’t even recognise the person. Hey Collin and Deborah am from Mauritius yes its really nice there. Multicultural and nice weather sea sun and everything.
Hi everyone,
I personally, well this is my opinion. I think that people must not go through such extreme. A nice artistic tattoo or piercing is ok but when art is being distorted its …… some time you don’t even recognise the person. Hey Collin and Deborah am from Mauritius yes its really nice there. Multicultural and nice weather sea sun and everything.
Susan Je suis daccord avec toi.
que orible como puede haber gente que se hace esas cosas….se ve que no quieren cu cuerpo..no consideran el amor a si mismo….muy mal y degradante espectaculo
Hi Shyam,
There will always be such extremists, and we can’t deny them their pleasure, can we?
Although… When I’m looking at those painted and overly pierced faces I also think – ‘WTF???… I would never ever do that to myself!’
But then let’s not forget the more liberal (should I say – anarchic?) our society becomes the more often we’ll see manifestations of rebellious individuals. In the old days none of this would be acceptable and people like these would be shunned and would have no place in the community etc…
Yeah, maybe it’s gone all too far?..
Robby
Robby’s last blog post..Surface Bars
ESTAN PERO SI BIEN LOCOS ESO ES ASQUEROSO Q NO BEN DEMENTES,TODABIA PASAN LOS NORMALES PERO ESO ASTA DA ASCO BUENO CADA QUIEN CADA CABEZAES UN MUNDO DIFERENTE RETORCIDO PERO DIFERENTE BAYY
Holy cow, I find some of these pictures beautiful but I would never undergo any of those procedures. lol
THIS IS SOO NASTY…..
these people(whether tribal minded or personall minded) are not freaks. its simple, either culturally/curiosity/spirituality/sexuality or plain esthetically motivated. who am I or YOU to judge these people. im my culture we believe that the simple act of prayer over some bread and wine turns it into the flesh and blood of our savious. are their beliefs that far from ours? when the human body is exposed to extreme pain it goes into shock and can experience hallucinations so how is their belief any different to theirs?pain shocks the body into a state of numbness during which the mind is set free because it in a sense leaves the body and no mater what happens the body the imagination continues on its journey. it happens during torture too which is y torture is so useless in the extraction of information. a man/woman can either let the torture effect them or can let go and let their natural pain killers kick in and become delirious, its a fine line. which mean info received under torture isnt worth a damn, and any spiritual confirmation obtained in the same way is suspect. the message is live n let live!!!! n without seeming like a hippy , is there anything wrong with that???
That’s just crazy… What did all those people think when they decide to did an extreme body piercing.. That’s just out of my mind..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Urpawmr44M
This is my third Brand, I hope the Yin Yang heals nicely. Don’t know if to pick it, cover it or just leave well alone to heal.
I am a member of a ritual suspension group in michigan and am interested in branding any tips for me I love suspensions and flesh pulls but crave training in branding if you know a teacher let me know
wow this people are sick, they have mental issues lol
this is really scary to see and I couldn’t see myself doing that to my body I would say your crazy but It’s part of your culture so do what you got to do.