The same pigments collected for cave painting would become the earliest body paints. Charcoal, Ochre, and Malachite were pulverized and kept in hollow seashells for the sake of art.
Very quickly, permanent modifications evolved into the identifiable- tattoos, scarification, and piercings. Modification developed out of necessity for expression, individualization
and belonging. Rites of Passage or Coming of Age Ceremonies were as necessary and as validating as the
modern driver's license but requiring more of a lifelong token.
The intricate and painful facial markings of the Maori (native New Zealanders) chronicled entire genealogies.
In the greatest display of faith and dedication to the great unknown, humans developed painful ceremonies. This pain of self-expression became the medium in the Sun Dance Ceremony and the Chidi Mari Festival that pushed the body to its limits in pursuit of otherworldly experience.
In pursuit of the superficial, pigments as cosmetics were recorded in Mesopotamia and Egypt. Early civilization began to discriminate the wealthy and well-kept from the slaves and impoverished through hair dye, nail colors, eye makeup, and fragrance.
I invite you to read on- www.squidoo.com/body-art-histo…
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Mature Content
Part II jzino.deviantart.com/journal/B… - Part III jzino.deviantart.com/journal/B…