X 



ORNAMENTS FOR THE EARS AND LIPS (hELIX QUILLS, 

 EAR PLUGS, AND LABRETs) 



Human vanity assumes many forms, and one of its 

 grotesque expressions is furnislied by a study of the ear 

 ornaments of the Masai and Wa-Kikuyu in East Africa. 

 In order to appreciate this phase of fashion and 

 deformity it is necessary to give a short description of 

 the natural ear. 



The appendages commonly known as ears are termed 

 auricles or pinnte by anatomists : each consists of a 

 framework of gristle (yellow elastic cartilage) overlaid 

 with skin furnislied with minute hairs, secreting glands, 

 and fat. The skin covering the auricle is abundantly 

 supplied with nerves from several sources and with 

 blood-vessels ; its vascularity being declared when the 

 ear becomes delicately pink in harmony with the cheeks 

 when a pretty maiden's face is suffused with a blush. 

 It is also acutely sensitive to cold and physical insults, 

 especially pinching. The various parts of the auricle 

 have received specific names, but there are two parts 

 which it is necessary for the reader to identify in con- 

 nection with the subject-matter of this chapter. It is 

 also to be borne in mind that the external ear or pinna 

 in human beings is not necessary for the purpose of 

 hearing. 



The auricle is bounded by a rim called the helix : the 

 lower part is known as the lobule. The helix consists 

 entirely of gristle covered with skin, whilst the lobule is 



