In the Omaha and Ponca tribes piercings were considered a "rite of passage". This means the child would get you ears pierced at about the age of 3 or 4 or when he or she started walking. These piercings would stay with the child for the rest of their life. The Pawnee tribe would pierce their ears with a silver earring only if they had a war honor. These earrings are a symbol of most Native American's identity. They show where they are from and where they came from. They are not only for decoration and aesthetic, as they also bring them closer to them ancestors and connect them to their past. Another thing that piercings do in Native America tribes are provide a sense of beauty and give both men and women a newfound confidence and a boosted self esteem.
Written By: Lucy Karagyulleyan