Pragyan Kalita
- Mar 13, 2023
- 4 min read

Bizarre Lip Plating Fashion Tradition | Exploring the Fascinating Fashion Tradition of Africa

Lip plates are a traditional cultural practice that has been a part of some African tribal cultures for centuries. Although it isn't as extensively practiced as it once was, it is nonetheless a vital and fundamental component of the cultural identity of the tribes that continue to practice the ritual.

What is a Lip Plate Culture?

Lip plates, also known as lip plugs or lip discs, are a cultural practice in several African tribes, particularly in Ethiopia and Sudan. The practice involves stretching an individual's lower or upper lip and inserting a large circular or rectangular plate, usually made of clay or wood, into the hole created by the stretching.

Lip plates are seen as a symbol of beauty and status in some African cultures, particularly among the Mursi and Surma tribes. In these tribes, women wear lip plates, and the plate's size represents the wearer's social status. The practice is usually initiated during adolescence and involves a gradual increase in the size of the plate over time.

While wearing lip plates has gained some attention in Western cultures, it is essential to note that it is a deeply embedded cultural tradition with significant meaning for the communities that practice it.

History and Origin of Lip plate culture:

The Mursi and Surma tribes of Ethiopia and South Sudan, respectively, are where lip plates first appeared and have a long history. The Omo Valley in East Africa has been home to these tribes for countless years, during which time they have evolved distinctive cultural practices and customs passed down from one generation to the next.

Wearing lip plates is a custom that started as a sign of riches and beauty. The Omo Valley region of Ethiopia is home to the Mursi people, who are distinguished by their unusual lip plates. The Mursi are thought to have begun donning lip plates to prevent slave dealers from enslaving the women in their tribe. For the traffickers, who frequently sought young, attractive women to capture as slaves, the lip plates made the women appear unappealing.

The Suri people, who live in southwestern Ethiopia and South Sudan, also wear lip plates as a cultural tradition. The Suri people believe that wearing lip plates enhances a woman's beauty and makes her more attractive to potential suitors. It is also believed that lip plates symbolize a woman's strength and resilience.

The Kayapo people, who live in the Amazon rainforest in Brazil, also practice the tradition of wearing lip plates. In their culture, lip plates are seen as a sign of a woman's maturity and readiness for marriage.

The practice and significance of Lip plates culture:

Women in numerous African tribes are typically the ones that engage in the practice of wearing lip plates. It should be noted that men may also wear lip plates in some cultures.

By age 15 or 16, wearing a lip plate begins during adolescence. Cutting the lower lip and gradually expanding it over time with larger and larger plates are the steps in the procedure. Within the tribe, a woman's lip plate is frequently viewed as a symbol of her position or money, with larger plates denoting higher status.

Depending on the tribe and culture, many reasons may be given for wearing lip plates. It is sometimes thought of as a means to enhance a woman's appearance and increase her appeal to potential suitors. In other instances, it could represent a woman's fortitude and resiliency. Lip plates are seen as a rite of passage by some cultures, signifying that a young lady has matured to a given age or degree.

The motivations for men who wear lip plates may be different. In some cultures, lip plates are a sign of strength and warrior status worn by men. Others might interpret it as a sign of a man's social standing or leadership within the tribe.

Even though the custom of wearing lip plates has drawn criticism and controversy, it still plays a significant role in these tribes' cultural identity and heritage. Some still wear lip plates to honor their ancestors and maintain cultural traditions. However, it is worth noting that the practice is becoming less common in many tribes, as exposure to other cultures and modernization lead to changes in traditional practices.

Benefits and Drawbacks of the Practice

Even though wearing lip plates is a deeply ingrained cultural tradition in some African tribes, it has also drawn debate and criticism from outsiders. While some contend that the practice constitutes self-mutilation or violates human rights, others view it as a lovely and significant expression of cultural identity.

Proponents defend the practice as a personal decision that allows women to express their uniqueness and claim their cultural identity. They also emphasize the long-standing nature of the custom and its profound historical and cultural significance.

However, there are drawbacks to the practice. Stretching the lip can be painful and have long-term negative effects like scarring and deformation. Additionally, if proper hygiene precautions are not taken, it can increase the likelihood of developing an infection and other health problems.

A growing worry is that tourists pay to take pictures of women wearing lip plates, exploiting the practice for tourist gain. Particularly in light of poverty and inequality, this has sparked ethical questions about the commercialization and objectification of tribal cultures.

Ending Note:

The Mursi tribe's lip plate culture is an intricate and fascinating part of their traditions. Outsiders might find cultural practices strange or unsettling, but it's crucial to approach them with an open mind and a desire to learn.

It's also important to remember that the Mursi tribe faces many difficulties in the modern era, such as losing land and resources and the pressure to adhere to Western beauty and fashion standards. As outsiders, we must encourage and support the Mursi people as they work to protect their cultural heritage.

The problematic elements of the lip plate culture, such as the gendered expectations it reinforces and the potential for tourist exploitation, must also be acknowledged. Instead of objectifying or fetishizing cultural exchange, it is critical to approach it with respect and sensitivity.

Overall, the lip plate culture is just one illustration of how rich and diverse human culture is. We can enlarge our horizons and improve our comprehension of the world by becoming familiar with and appreciating the traditions of other cultures.