History and culture

The helix piercing is now worn mainly to fashion criteria in western culture, where it established itself, especially during the 1990s in addition to the Tragus, Rook, Snug, and Conch Daith piercing as a rare variant of the ear hole. It is also common in a traditional piercing several ethnic groups.

Africa

In Africa, the piercing is known by the ear edge in many races. For example, in West Africa the Fulbe, the Lobi and the Dogon, or in East Africa with the Maasai, the Samburu, the Pokot and the Turkana. Usually it is a symbol of wealth and beauty.

By the people based in Kenya Kikuyu stakes are especially common with large diameters in the ear edges, where several parties were also worn.

The men of Lmasale, a clan of the Samburu, are used during the circumcision earrings. These are later taken from their mothers in the ear edge, while they are in combat or hunting.

Southeast Asia

Large holes in the upper ear edges are worn traditionally by ethnic groups which belong to the Dayaks in Borneo. For example, by hunters of the Iban and Punan. usually are used canines or claws of bears and leopards. The jewelry is a sign of social rank and, in addition to successful hunters give a fearsome appearance.

In older carriers in Indonesia, a helix piercing is often a sign of maturity dar.