X 
ORNAMENTS FOR THE EARS AND LIPS (hELIX QUILLS, j 
EAR PLUGS, AND LABRETS) 
Human vanity assumes many forms, and one of its 
grotesque expressions is furnished 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 pinnm by anatomists : each consists of a 
framework of gristle (yellow elastic cartilage) overlaid 
with skin furnished 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 
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