The Beauty of Lip Plating

Symbolism

Significance

Lip-plating symbolism is very important within the Mursi culture. This extreme modification process symbolizes beauty, wealth, power, and privilege.

The positive aspects of lip-plating are completely exhibited throughout Mursi culture. Many researchers have focused on the importance of lip-plating but almost none focus on the psychological effects on self-esteem on the Mursi women who choose not to cut their lips.

To prevent the lip from tearing, the Mursi women remove the bottom teeth. This permits the flow of saliva to be used as a moisturizer.

pride

attractiveness

vulnerable

self-conscious

Mursi women exhibit their beauty with decorated lip-plates and elaborate head pieces.

bride-wealth

laziness

culture

fertility

Problems within the Practice

marriage

Although lip-plates are worn as a sense of pride and identity within the Mursi culture, there are many life long disadvantages associated with it. Many researchers have expounded on the issues of speech hindrance, lip-tearing, and the inability to eat and drink effectively.

expression

social identity

Mursi woman drinking

womanhood

The Mursi women decorate their lip-plates with elaborate carvings and designs as a sign of artistic expression and beauty.

art

Research

Research will be conducted in the Lower Omo Valley in Southern Ethiopia where the Mursi, Suri, and Surma live.

Expected Outcomes

Conclusion

Because of prior research and the role of tradition in the Mursi culture, it is believed that women who choose not to slit their lips will exhibit lower self-esteem than those who comply with tradition.

100 Mursi women will be conducted for the study to determine who self-esteem is effected by the practice of lip-plating.

Findings from this study will not only give insight to the psychological effects of lip-plating on Mursi women, but will enlighten future researchers on the topics influence to self-esteem effects.

The women will be recruited through chain-referral sampling. Interviews and three scales will be conducted to gain information on self-esteem levels and beauty perceptions

What is Lip-Plating?

The purpose of this study is not to change the culture, but to provide information on acceptance and equality through interventions.

Who are the Mursi people?

The process of lip-plating involves the stretching of the bottom lip. Mursi females begin their journey into womanhood through this process. Their lip is cut and a wooden stick is placed inside. Over the course of a year, the lip can be stretched up to 20cm in width and larger.

The Mursi are a pastoral people who have isolated themselves from colonization, and thus, have maintained many traditions.

The Mursi are apart of the few African cultures who still preserve their traditions and customs.

Although the Mursi have kept themselves isolated, the influence of tourism and trade have introduced them to many aspects of Western and modern culture.

The Beauty of Lip-Plating

The Mursi are a people of pride and tradition. This research will educate individuals on the importance of preserving cultural practices while introducing the importance of more sterile procedures, acceptance, and equality to those who are different.

Within the Mursi culture, lip-plating is considered a beautification process, much like plastic surgery is in America. Men find that women with lip-plates are more attractive, obedient, and respectful.

The lip-plates worn by the Mursi women are made of wood or clay and are decorated with pumpkin seeds and are adorned by many carvings.

This practice continues to function as a proud symbol of Mursi identity.

LaTosky, 2009

The Psychology of Beauty in Africa: Lip Plating

Saharah Butler