A labret (also termed a lip plug) is a form of body piercing. Taken literally, it is any type of adornment that is attached to the lip (labrum). However, the term usually refers to a piercing that is below the bottom lip, above the chin. It is sometimes referred to as a "tongue pillar" or a "soul patch piercing".

Pronunciation

The traditional pronunciation of labret is or in American and British English, respectively, and in either case .

Anthropology

American Northwest Coast

thumb|upright|Anguisinaoq, a man from [[Baillie Island in Canada's Northwest Territories, wearing labrets between 1921 and 1924. They were considered "old school" at the time.]]

The labret was a traditional piercing among the American Northwest Coast Indians, where it was related to status:

Alaska

thumb|upright|Skak-Ish-Stin wearing a [[Hudson's Bay Company blanket and labret]]

The wearing of labrets was widely observed among Tlingit women of high status at the time of European and American arrivals in Southeast Alaska. The Russian term for the Tlingit, , derived from an Alutiiq word for labret.

Pre-Columbian Americas

right|thumb|upright|[[Moche (culture)|Moche figurine depicting a woman with labret]]

Labrets were used in certain Pre-Columbian cultures in the Americas, including by the Aztecs.

The initial piercing is usually done at 1.2, 1.6 or 2.0 mm diameter. After initial healing, the piercing can be (gradually) further stretched. Some people choose to stretch to sizes over 10 mm, and the jewelry worn at these larger sizes is usually a round or oval 'labret plug'.

See also

  • Body piercing aftercare
  • Lip piercing
  • Lip plate
  • Tembetá

References

Bibliography

  • BMEZine: Lip Piercing
  • BMEZine: Labret Piercing
  • BMEZine: Labret Stud
  • Plughog.com: Labret Stretching Guide