Lip plates, also known as lip plugs, lip discs, or mouth plates, are created using a variety of materials and techniques, depending on the culture and tradition. While the specific methods can vary, the general process involves shaping and potentially decorating a chosen material to fit into a pierced lip.
Materials Used in Lip Plate Creation
Traditionally, lip plates are crafted from readily available materials:
- Clay: A common material, easily molded and shaped into discs of varying sizes. Once formed, the clay is often dried and fired to create a more durable piece.
- Wood: Various types of wood, such as ebony (known for its dark color and fine texture, [source: Africarebirth]), are carved and shaped into discs. The hardness and durability of wood make it a suitable long-term material.
- Other Materials: In modern times, other materials like PVC pipe ([source: Doug Tipple's Irish Flutes]), have been used for creating lip plates, demonstrating adaptability of the creation process to available materials.
The Creation Process
While precise details vary across cultures, the general process involves:
- Material Selection: Choosing a suitable material based on availability and desired properties (strength, appearance etc.).
- Shaping: The selected material is shaped into a disc or other desired form. This may involve molding (clay), carving (wood), or cutting and assembling (PVC).
- Finishing: The formed plate may be smoothed, polished, painted, or decorated according to cultural preferences. This often involves intricate designs and patterns.
- Sizing: The plate is sized to fit the wearer's lip, which is typically stretched over time with progressively larger plates.
Cultural Significance
The creation of lip plates is deeply intertwined with the cultural practices of certain tribes, such as the Mursi and Surma tribes in Ethiopia ([source: Jayne McLean, Mursi Online, International Cultural Diversity]). These plates often hold significant symbolic meaning, representing beauty, status, and identity within their respective communities. For example, Mursi women often wear lip plates during specific events or stages of life ([source: Somak Luxury Travel]).
