Earring -
A ring or hook worn in a slit in the ear and from which usually
hung some type of ornament. The earring denoted wealth and was a
mark of distinction. The ear holes of both boys and girls were bored
or cut by medicine men at special ceremonies and paid for by the parents
or relatives.
Holes were not only made in the lobe of
ear but sometimes around the rim, and the more holes, the more honor and
respect they commanded. The earrings themselves were often a foot
long and fashioned from brightly colored shells. many other articles
were worn in the ears. Chief Quanah Parker of the Comanche was once
described as having a brightly colored stuffed bird in each ear as an earring.
Related Information
within this Site
[ Costume
]